dead hand

noun

, Law.

1. mortmain.

dead hand

noun

1. an oppressive or discouraging influence or factor

   the dead hand of centralized control

2. law a less common word for mortmain

Example Sentences

“You can pry ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ from my cold, dead hands,” Ruffin said with a bright smile and one of the many giggles she unleashed during our long conversation.

From Salon

She concluded: "It's uneven, disjointed, the plot makes no real sense - and the dead hand of corporate America weighs heavily upon it."

From BBC

Man, you couldn't pry me out my house with your cold, dead hands.

From Salon

The study group report said Russia has not said whether the upgrade of its nuclear command and control system will result in canceling the dead hand system.

From Washington Times

“Come,” La Llorona said, rubbing my arm with her cold, dead hand.

From Literature