noun

1. 1. the pledging of property to a creditor as security for the payment of a debt
   2. such a debt
2. the deed by which this pledge is made
3. the claim of the mortgagee on the property

Etymology: OFr morgage, mort gage, lit., dead pledge < mort, dead (see mort) + gage, gage

transitive verb mortgaged -·gaged, mortgaging -·gag·ing

1. Law to pledge (property) by a mortgage
2. to put an advance claim or liability on to mortgage one's future