The royal official responsible for holding inquests on the deaths of tenants-in-chief to determine who should inherit the property and taking custody of any lands coming into the king's custody because of the minority of heirs or the vacancy of a bishopric or monastery. Escheators also conducted inquests into the alienation of lands held of the king and lands granted to the church without royal permission. (Waugh, Scott. England in the Reign of Edward III, 238) Related terms: Escheat

The shire officer, in England, who was responsible for the administration of land grants and feudal rights relating to land and fiefdom.

a royal official administering the lands of any TENANT-IN-CHIEF which were in royal custody because he was a minor.

An officer whose duty it is to observe what escheats have taken place, and to take charge of them.