chattel

In one sentence

Personal property that is movable, as opposed to real estate or land.

Plain English

A chattel is any piece of personal property you can move or carry—think of it as the opposite of real estate. Your car, furniture, jewelry, and phone are all chattels. The term comes from old English law and is still used in legal documents to distinguish movable items from land and buildings. Chattels can be stolen, sold, or given away just like any other property.

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Example

When Sarah's house was burglarized, the thieves took her television, laptop, and jewelry—all chattels. The police report listed these stolen chattels separately from any damage to the house itself, which is real property.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant was charged with theft of chattels worth over $500.”

Related terms

Unjust Enrichment

A legal claim when someone gains money or benefit unfairly at another's expense.

Rescission

Unwinding a contract entirely, returning both parties to their positions before the deal.

Disclaimer of Warranties

A statement that removes or limits the automatic guarantees a seller would otherwise provide.

Escrow

Money or documents held by a neutral third party until transaction conditions are met.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.