mortmain

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
  2. noun the oppressive influence of past events or decisions

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman mortmayn, morte meyn, from Old French mortes meins, after Late Latin phrase mortua manus. See Latin mortuus (“dead”) + manus (“hand”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

dead hand

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