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Origin: LL. Mortuarium. See Mortuary.
1. A sort of ecclesiastical heriot, a customary gift claimed by, and due to, the minister of a parish on the death of a parishioner. It seems to have been originally a voluntary bequest or donation, intended to make amends for any failure in the payment of tithes of which the deceased had been guilty.
2. A burial place; a place for the dead.
3. A place for the reception of the dead before burial; a deadhouse; a morgue.
(01 Mar 1998)
Morton's syndrome, Morton's toe, Morton, Thomas, MORTRAN < Prev | Next > mortuary practice, morula, morulation
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