Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Flotsam, Jetsam, and Ligan

FLOTSAM, JETSAM, and LIGAN, in law: Flotsam, or floatsam, is derelict or shipwrecked goods floating on the sea; jetsam, goods thrown overboard which sink and remain under water; and ligan, goods sunk with a wreck or attached to a buoy, as a mark of ownership. When found such goods may be returned to the owner if he appear; if not, they are the property of the crown.