mortmain

American  

[mawrt-meyn] / ˈmɔrtˌmeɪn /

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.

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mortmain British  

/ ˈmɔːtˌmeɪn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of mortmain

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

Example Sentences

We have often wished for some statute akin to mortmain to remove the dead hand of tradition from the domain of ideas.

From Time Magazine Archive

With only the wide, wide world between, Where memory has mortmain.

From Songs and Satires by Masters, Edgar Lee

Gifts for charitable purposes, other than those affected by the law of mortmain, have always been viewed with favour.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 8 "Chariot" to "Chatelaine" by Various

The council may borrow money for the erection of such buildings; they may acquire and hold land in mortmain by virtue of their charter, or with the consent of the Local Government Board.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 4 "England" to "English Finance" by Various

Half of its area was once covered by religious buildings or mortmain property.

From Cathedrals of Spain by John A.