Dead hand Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
mortmain.
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noun the oppressive influence of past events or decisions
dead hand of the past; mortmain.
WordNet
Definitions
- a hand that can not alienate, as of a person civilly dead. "Serfs held in dead hand." Morley. See
Mortmain .
