Definition

A legal term referring to the permanent ownership of property, especially by institutions like churches, that cannot be sold or transferred.

Example

The church held its land in mortmain, ensuring it would remain under its control forever.

Conversation

Did you know some churches have property in mortmain that they can never sell?

Really? That sounds quite limiting for them.

Yeah, it’s like they’re stuck with the past influencing their decisions.

Exactly! It must be tough to manage old properties like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mortmain is formed from "mort" (from Old French, meaning dead) and "main" (from Latin "manus", meaning hand). The term originally referred to property that was held in perpetuity by a religious institution, thus 'dead hand' signifying that it could not be transferred or inherited.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mort' meaning dead and 'main' meaning hand — together they describe a 'dead hand' that cannot pass on property.

Visually Confused Words