heterdaad

Dutch

Etymology

Originally only in the phrase op heterdaad, where heterdaad represents a univerbation of heter +‎ daad, heter being a feminine singular dative form of the adjective heet. The phrase op heter daad thus means "the deed still being hot [i.e. recent or ongoing]". Compare Latin in flāgrante dēlictō, a similar formation.

The noun is thus in essence a back-formation from op heterdaad.

Pronunciation

  • Audio:(file)

Noun

heterdaad f (plural heterdaden, diminutive heterdaadje n)

  1. A crime detected in flagrante delicto.
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