hypothec

[ hahy-poth-ik, hi- ]

noun

1. Roman and Civil Law. a mortgage or security held by a creditor on the property of a debtor without possession of it, created either by agreement or by operation of law.
2. (in some modern legal systems) a security interest created in immovable property.

hypothec

/ haɪˈpɒθɪk /

noun

1. Roman law Scots law a charge on property in favour of a creditor

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothec¹

1585–95; earlier hypotheca < Late Latin < Greek hypothḗkē deposit, pledge, mortgage (akin to hypotithénai to deposit as pledge). See hypo-, theca

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothec¹

C16: from Late Latin hypotheca a security, from Greek hupothēkē deposit, pledge, from hupotithenai to deposit as a security, place under, from hypo- + tithenai to place

Example Sentences

Hypothec, hī-poth′ek, n. in Scotch law, a lien or security over goods in respect of a debt due by the owner of the goods.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

In French law the landlord’s claim for rent is fairly secured by the hypothec, and by summary powers which exist for the seizure of the effects of defaulting tenants.

From Project Gutenberg

If the hale hypothec were to fa’, I think, laddie, I would dee!

From Project Gutenberg

There was a square of modern offices, in which the cattle and horses of the farm—appropriated by the landlord, at the time under the law of hypothec—were tolerably well lodged; but the hovel in which three of the farm-servants lived, and in which, for want of a better, my master and I had to cook and sleep, was one of the most miserable tumble-down erections I ever saw inhabited.

From Project Gutenberg

An' noo I maun leave ye to mak' what ye can oot o' this, for I jalouse it'll pass ye to untaukle the whole hypothec.

From Project Gutenberg