Definition of: chattel

(chat′l) noun Law
1. An article of personal property; a movable.
2. Any interest or right in land less than a freehold; a leasehold estate in lands for a determinate period: called a chattel real. As distinguished from freeholds, chattels real are regarded as personal property; but, as being interests in real property, they are so designated to distinguish them from other chattels, which are called chattels personal.
3. Archaic A bondman; serf. See synonyms under PROPERTY. [<OF chatel <L capitale property <caput head. Doublet of CATTLE.]