mortmain

noun

mort·​main ˈmȯrt-ˌmān 

1

a

: an inalienable possession of lands or buildings by an ecclesiastical or other corporation

b

: the condition of property or other gifts left to a corporation in perpetuity especially for religious, charitable, or public purposes

2

: the influence of the past regarded as controlling the present

Word History

Etymology

Middle English morte-mayne, from Anglo-French mortmain, from morte (feminine of mort dead) + main hand, from Latin manus — more at manual

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Legal Definition

mortmain

noun

mort·​main ˈmȯrt-ˌmān 

1

: the possession of real property in perpetuity by a corporate body (as a church)

also : the condition of property in such possession

2

: the controlling influence of the past

—not used technically

Etymology

Anglo-French, from Old French mortemain, from morte (feminine of mort dead, from Latin mortuus) + main hand, from Latin manus