Mortmain

created by Webster 1913
(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Wed Dec 22 1999 at 1:18:19

Mort"main` (?), 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.

⇒ The term was originally applied to conveyance of land made to ecclesiastical bodies; afterward to conveyance made to any corporate body.

Burrill.

 

© Webster 1913.

Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.