Associations to the word «Mortmain»

Wiktionary

MORTMAIN, noun. (legal) The perpetual, inalienable possession of lands by a corporation or non-personal entity such as a church.
MORTMAIN, noun. (literary) A strong and inalienable possession.

Dictionary definition

MORTMAIN, noun. Real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation).
MORTMAIN, noun. The oppressive influence of past events or decisions.

Wise words

Man is a creature who lives not upon bread alone, but principally by catch words.
Robert Louis Stevenson