GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Mortification , n. [F., fr. L. mortificatio a killing. See Mortify.]
   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.
   1913 Webster
   The mortification of our lusts has something in it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is unreasonable.
   Tillotson.
   
   1913 Webster
   Deep humiliation or shame, from a loss of pride; painful embarassment, usually arising from exposure of a mistake; chagrin; vexation.
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   +PJC
   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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   (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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2.       
   Mortmain , 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.
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   ☞ The term was originally applied to conveyance of land made to ecclesiastical bodies; afterward to conveyance made to any corporate body.
   Burrill.
   
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