Legal Definitions - abditory

An abditory refers to a hidden or secret storage place specifically designed or used to conceal and protect valuable items, such as money, documents, or goods, from discovery or theft. It implies a deliberate act of concealment to safeguard assets.

• Example 1: A homeowner, concerned about potential burglaries, installs a sophisticated wall safe disguised as an electrical outlet in their study to store important legal documents and a collection of rare coins.

  This disguised wall safe functions as an abditory because it is a concealed repository specifically used to hide and preserve valuable items (documents, coins) from being found by unauthorized individuals.

• Example 2: A small antique shop owner, dealing primarily in high-value, easily transportable items, has a false bottom in a display cabinet where they temporarily store particularly expensive pieces overnight, rather than leaving them openly visible.

  The false bottom in the display cabinet serves as an abditory. It's a hidden compartment used to conceal and protect valuable goods (expensive antiques) from potential theft during non-business hours.

• Example 3: In a historical context, a wealthy merchant, fearing confiscation of assets during a period of political unrest, had a secret compartment built into the foundation of their cellar, accessible only by a hidden lever, where they stored family jewels and gold bullion.

  The secret compartment in the cellar's foundation is an abditory, as it was a deliberately constructed, hidden space intended to preserve and conceal valuable assets (jewels, gold) from seizure by authorities.