On account of contiguity to the offense, i. e., being contaminated by conjunction with something illegal. For example, the cargo of a vessel, though not contraband or un- lawful, may be condemned in admiralty, along with the vessel, when the vessel has been engaged in some service which renders her liable to seizure and confiscation . The cargo is then said to be condemned 06 con- tinentiam delicti, because found in company with an unlawful service. See 1 Kent, Comm. 152.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
