hypothec

noun hy·poth·ec \ hə̇ˈpäthik , hīˈ- \

Definition of hypothec

plural -s

1 Roman & civil law : an obligation, right, or security given by contract or by operation of law to a creditor over property of the debtor without transfer of possession or title to the creditor — compare pignus, pledge

2 Scottish : affair, concern

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Origin and Etymology of hypothec

French & Late Latin; French hypothèque, from Middle French, from Late Latin hypotheca, from Greek hypothēkē deposit, pledge, mortgage, from hypotithenai to deposit as a pledge, put under, propose