mortmain mortmain
Definition(s):
- (n) real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
- (n) the oppressive influence of past events or decisions
Synonym(s)
Usage(s):
- We have often wished for some statute akin to mortmain to remove the dead hand of tradition from the domain of ideas.
- What's wrong with the Democratic party is its slightly sinister orthodoxy, the mortmain of the liberal apparat.
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