deads part, deed is part

Scots Law : That part of a man's movables which remains besides what is due to the wife and children; or which he has a right to dispose of before his death in whatever way he may please. it is called the dead's part, because the de ceased had full power over it."- Erskine: Inst., B. iii. I. ix. sec. 18. dead-spindle, s. Lathe : The non-rotating spindle in the tail-stock or dead-head of a lathe.