flotsam (flotsam)

[Also formerly flotzam, flotsom, flotsome (and dial. float some, q. v.), corrupt forms of the more orig. flotson, flotsen, contr. of * flottison (cf. jetsam, The interior of the house bore sufficient witne to the ravages of the ocean, and to the exercise of those rights Scott , The Pirate, xii. which the lawyers term Flotsome and Jetsome. Flotsam , jetsam, and lagan are not the lawful spoils of the finders, but must be delivered up to those who can prove their right to them, the owners paying a reasonable reward,... which is called salvage. Bithell, Counting-house Dict.