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

It was especially exempted from the Mortmain Acts, and was allowed to acquire property to the yearly value of £10.

From Project Gutenberg

Also before they could hold land in mortmain it would be necessary to obtain a charter.

From Project Gutenberg

Charters were also necessary before lands could be acquired in mortmain.

From Project Gutenberg

It was in his time that the famous Statute of Mortmain was passed.

From Project Gutenberg

Like most of Edward's laws the statute of Mortmain was based on earlier precedents.

From Project Gutenberg