| mortmain | (n) real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation), Syn. dead hand |
| dead hand | (n) the oppressive influence of past events or decisions, Syn. dead hand of the past, mortmain |
| Mortmain | n. [ F. mort, morte, dead + main hand; F. main-morte. See Mortal, and Manual. ] (Law) Possession of lands or tenements in, or conveyance to, dead hands, or hands that cannot alienate. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ The term was originally applied to conveyance of land made to ecclesiastical bodies; afterward to conveyance made to any corporate body. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ] |