hotchpot

n. Law
The gathering together of properties to ensure an equal division of the total for distribution, as among the heirs of an intestate parent.

[Middle English hochepot, from Old French, mixture, stew : hocher, to shake together; see hotch + pot, pot.]

This entry contains information applicable to United States law only.

The process of combining and assimilating property belonging to different individuals so that the property can be equally divided; the taking into consideration of funds or property that have already been given to children when dividing up the property of a decedent so that the respective shares of the children can be equalized.