Treas"ure-trove` (?), n. [Treasure + OF. trov'e, F. trouv'e, p. p. of OF. trover to find, F. trouver. See Trover.] CommonLaw
Any money, bullion, or the like, found in the earth, or otherwise hidden, the owner of which is not known. In England such treasure belongs to the crown; whereas similar treasure found in the sea, or upon the surface of the land, belongs to the finder if no owner appears.
© Webster 1913.