stranger in blood

In heraldry, being a stranger in blood - through adoption for example - is indicated via a 'canton voided'.

Suspected serial killer John Bodkin Adams was identified as a 'stranger in blood' in the wills of 132 of his patients.

Brown, Jennifer S.H. Strangers in Blood: Fur Trade Company Families in Indian Country.

Cullen, Pamela V. A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams.

In the law of United States and the Commonwealth, a stranger in blood is someone mentioned in a will (such as a beneficiary) who is not related by blood to the testator.

A plain, uncharged canton (sometimes a canton voided is also used this way) can be used as a mark of distinction, that is, not a mark of peculiar honour, but a mark denoting that the bearer is a stranger in blood.

The "mark of distinction" (which is so called as it is supposed to "make distinct" that the bearer is not one of the possible legitimate heirs or heiresses) usually refers to a context of illegitimacy, the illegitimate offspring being regarded as a "stranger in blood" to his natural father.

In 1795 his mother's first cousin, Arthur Blayney of Gregynog, Montgomeryshire, who had always been expected to leave his property to Thomas (his godson), died, bequeathing all his heritage to Lord Tracy, a stranger in blood ; and this was a great disappointment to Bates and his family.