mortmain
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2 ENTRIES FOUND:

mort·main

noun \ˈmrt-ˌmān\

Definition of MORTMAIN

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

Origin of MORTMAIN

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

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