Hist. [f. med.L. expeditāt- ppl. stem of expeditāre, f. ex- (see EX- pref.1) + ped-em foot: on analogy of med.L. excapitāre.] trans. To cut off from (a dog) three claws or the ball of the forefoot; to law.
1502. Chart. Forests, in Arnolde, Chron. (1811), 209. He of whom the hounde were not expeditate.
1594. R. Crompton, Jurisdiction, 152. Expeditate, that is to saye, haue the balles of their feete cutt out.
1679. Blount, Anc. Tenures, 91. The Amerciaments for expeditating Dogs.
1866. Chamb. Jrnl., XXVIII. 261/2. The Court of Regards was held once every three years, for the purpose of lawing or expeditating mastiffs.
Hence Expeditated ppl. a. Expeditating vbl. sb.
1598. Manwood, Lawes Forest, xvi. § 8 (1615), 115/1. Such expeditating of mastiues shal be done according to the Assises.
1610. W. Folkingham, Art of Survey, III. iv. 71. Foote-geld implies a Priuiledge to keepe Dogges within the Forrest not expeditated.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Expeditation, Every one that keeps a great dog not expeditated, forfeits three shillings and four pence to the king.
