Stranger in blood

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Stranger in blood is a term used to describe a person who is not a blood relation of another. It is therefore the opposite of next of kin. Most commonly, it is used to describe a beneficiary to a will.[1] The term is used legally in America, Britain and India amongst other countries.

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[edit] Notable instances

Suspected serial killer John Bodkin Adams was identified as a 'stranger in blood' in the wills of 132 of his patients.[1]

[edit] Similar terms in other languages

The Hebrew word 'zar' is used in the Bible to describe a non-member of a tribe (see: Book of Numbers 16:40 and 1:51, or Deuteronomy 25:5).[2]

[edit] Heraldry

In heraldry, being a stranger in blood - through adoption for example - is indicated via a 'canton voided'.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Cullen, Pamela V., "A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams", London, Elliott & Thompson, 2006, ISBN 1-904027-19-9
  2. ^ NETBible: Stranger And Sojourner (In The Old Testament)
  3. ^ http://www.dun.org.uk/STIRLING/armsdata.html