Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
The perpetual, inalienable possession of lands by a corporation or non-personal entity such as a church.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable, usually
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A strong and inalienable possession.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: literary, uncountable, usually
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
the oppressive influence of past events or decisions
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: dead hand, dead hand of the past
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: influence
noun
real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: dead hand
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: real property, real estate, realty, immovable
History
From Anglo-Norman mortmayn, morte meyn, from Old French mortes meins, after Late Latin phrase mortua manus. See Latin mortuus (“dead”) + manus (“hand”).
Across languages
8 source translations are retained for this English entry.
