GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Mortification (?), n. [F., fr. L. mortificatio a killing. See Mortify.]
   1. The act of mortifying, or the condition of being mortified; especially: (a) (Med.) The death of one part of an animal body, while the rest continues to live; loss of vitality in some part of a living animal; gangrene. Dunglison. (b) (Alchem. & Old Chem.) Destruction of active qualities; neutralization. [Obs.] Bacon. (c) Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance, abstinence, or painful severities inflicted on the body.
   
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   The mortification of our lusts has something in it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is unreasonable. Tillotson.
   
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   2. Deep humiliation or shame, from a loss of pride; painful embarassment, usually arising from exposure of a mistake; chagrin; vexation.
   
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   3. That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin, or vexation.
   
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   It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a tedious visit. L'Estrange.
   
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   4. (Scots Law) A gift to some charitable or religious institution; -- nearly synonymous with mortmain.
   
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   Syn. -- Chagrin; vexation; shame. See Chagrin.
   
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