Stranger in blood

In the law of United States and the Commonwealth, a stranger in blood is someone mentioned in a will (such as a beneficiary) who is not related by blood to the testator.[1] It is therefore the opposite of next of kin.

Notable instances

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

Heraldry

In heraldry, being a stranger in blood - through adoption for example - is indicated via a 'canton voided'.[2]

gollark: You should always use metric. All the time. In all cases.
gollark: > lb (Imperial unit)
gollark: https://old.reddit.com/r/slatestarcodex/comments/9h2jbi/you_should_probably_lift_weights/
gollark: Generally, yes.
gollark: Solution: genetic engineering.

References
  1. 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. http://www.dun.org.uk/STIRLING/armsdata.html
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