mortmain

[ mawrt-meyn ]

noun

, Law.

1. the condition of lands or tenements held without right of alienation, as by an ecclesiastical corporation; inalienable ownership.
2. the perpetual holding of land, especially by a corporation or charitable trust.

mortmain

/ ˈmɔːtˌmeɪn /

noun

1. law the state or condition of lands, buildings, etc, held inalienably, as by an ecclesiastical or other corporation

Word History and Origins

Origin of mortmain¹

1250–1300; Middle English mort ( e ) mayn ( e ) < Anglo-French mortemain, translation of Medieval Latin mortua manus dead hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of mortmain¹

C15: from Old French mortemain, from Medieval Latin mortua manus dead hand, inalienable ownership

Example Sentences

"We have no title-deeds to house or lands; Owners and occupants of earlier dates From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands, And hold in mortmain still their old estates."

From Project Gutenberg

A few days after the installation of the new government, the agitation of the mortmain question was commenced in congress.

From Project Gutenberg

In the spirit of his age he denounced the relics of medieval institutions, such as entails and tenures in mortmain.

From Project Gutenberg

Next, from serfs, they became vassals, thereupon subject to mortmain—each of these a step upwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps; for he would have no love for the Church even here, and he is obviously hostile to anything in the nature of mortmain.

From Project Gutenberg