The definition of a hypothec is the right of a creditor to take a borrower's property if a debt or obligation isn't repaid, but in the meantime, the property stays in the borrower's possession.
(noun)An example of a hypothec is a person using farming equipment as security for a loan, which can be reclaimed and sold if the loan isn't repaid.
See hypothec in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
Origin: Fr hypothèque < LL hypotheca, a pledge, security < Gr hypothēkē, something put under (obligation), pledge < hypotithenai, to put under, pledge: see hypothesis
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