AUBAINE, in the old customs of France, a right vested in the king, by virtue of which he claimed the inheritance of all foreigners that died within his dominions, notwithstanding any testamentary settlement made by the deceased. An ambassador was not subject to the right of aubaine; and the Swiss, Savoyards, Scots, and Portu-
guise, were also exempted. This ancient privilege of the crown was abolished in 1819.