Hereditas Damnosa Definition: Latin: an inheritance that is more of a burden than a benefit. Also damnosa heriditas. Alexander Burrill, in his 1867 dictionary on the law, defines damnosa heriditas: “In the civil law, a losing inheritance. An inheritance that was a charge, instead of a benefit.” REFERENCES: Burrill, A., Law Dictionary and Glossary, Vol. I (New York: Baker, Voorhis & Co., Law Publishers, 1867), page 418. Categories & Topics: Civil Law Dictionary Dictionary of Latin Law Terms Trusts, Wills, Estates and Probate Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!