from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mortgage \Mort"gage\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Mortgaged}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Mortgaging}.]
1. (Law) To grant or convey, as property, for the security of
a debt, or other engagement, upon a condition that if the
debt or engagement shall be discharged according to the
contract, the conveyance shall be void, otherwise to
become absolute, subject, however, to the right of
redemption.
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2. Hence: To pledge, either literally or figuratively; to
make subject to a claim or obligation.
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Mortgaging their lives to covetise. --Spenser.
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I myself an mortgaged to thy will. --Shak.
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