The killing of a human being. Homicide has undoubtedly been practiced for as long as humans have existed, and the act has developed a plethora of variations. Listed below are terms relating specifically to the killing of humans.

Hom"i*cide (?), n. [F., fr. L. homicidium, fr. homicida a man slayer; homo man + caedere to cut, kill. See Homage, and cf. Concise, Shed, v. t.]

1.

The killing of one human being by another.

Homicide is of three kinds: justifiable, as when the killing is performed in the exercise of a right or performance of a duty; excusable, as when done, although not as duty or right, yet without culpable or criminal intent; and felonious, or involving what the law terms malice; the latter may be either manslaughter or murder. Bouvier.

2.

One who kills another; a manslayer.

Chaucer. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.

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