mortmain Hear it!

mortmain Definition

mort·main (môrt′mān′)

noun

  1. a transfer of lands or houses to a corporate body, such as a school, church, or charitable organization, for perpetual ownership
  2. such ownership

Etymology: ME morte-mayne < OFr mortemain < ML mortua manus, lit., dead hand < fem. of L mortuus, pp. of mori, to die (see mortal) + manus, hand: see manual

mortmain Law Definition

n

Archaic

The permanent holding of lands by an ecclesiastical organization, without the right to dispose of them.
mortmain Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • license: A fine of 26 marks was paid for the mortmain license.

Browse dictionary entries near mortmain

  1. ‹ mortise
  2. ‹ Mortimer
  3. ‹ mortify
  4. ‹ mortification
  5. ‹ mortician
  6. ‹ mortice
  7. ‹ mortgagor
  8. ‹ mortgagee
  9. ‹ mortgaged
  10. ‹ Mortgage REIT
  1. Morton ›
  2. mortuary ›
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  6. mosaic gold ›
  7. mosaic image ›
  8. Mosaic law ›
  9. mosaicism ›
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