What does mortmain mean?
Mortmain is a term used to describe a type of feudal tenure in which land is held by the lord of the manor in perpetuity. This means that the lord retains ownership of the land indefinitely, without any obligation to pay rent or perform services. The term is derived from the Old French words 'mort' meaning 'dead' and 'main' meaning 'hand' or 'power'. Mortmain was a common type of tenure in medieval England, and it is still used today in historical and legal contexts. The term is formal and technical, and it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Understanding mortmain is important for historians and legal scholars who study the feudal system and its impact on land ownership and social structures.
nounA mortmain is a feudal tenure in which land is held by the lord of the manor in perpetuity, without any obligation to pay rent or perform services. This type of tenure was common in medieval England.
- A feudal tenure in which land is held by the lord of the manor in perpetuity.
"The estate was held in mortmain, meaning that the lord of the manor retained ownership of the land indefinitely."
"The estate was held in mortmain, meaning that the lord of the manor retained ownership of the land indefinitely."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mortmain
The term mortmain originated in the 14th century from the Old French words 'mort' meaning 'dead' and 'main' meaning 'hand' or 'power'. It was used to describe a type of feudal tenure in which land was held by the lord of the manor in perpetuity. The term is derived from the idea that the land is held in the lord's 'dead hand', meaning that it is not subject to the usual obligations and limitations of feudal tenure.
How mortmain is actually used
Mortmain is a formal, technical term used in historical and legal contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.