mortgage
1. mort.gage \'mo.r-gij\ n [ME morgage, fr. MF, fr. OF, fr. mort dead (fr. L mortuus, fr]. pp. of mori to die) + gage - more at MURDER 1: a conveyance of property upon condition that becomes void upon payment o r performance according to stipulated terms 2a: the instrument by which a mortgage conveyance is made 2b: the state of the property so conveyed 2c: the interest of the mortgagee in such property 2. mortgage vt 1: to grant or convey by a mortgage 2: to subject to a claim or obligation : PLEDGE
Webster's English Dictionary