Meaning of MORTUARY in English

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.

Use in sentences of MORTUARY

Meaning of MORTUARY in English

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.
A burial place; a place for the dead.
A place for the reception of the dead before burial; a deadhouse; a morgue.
Of or pertaining to the dead; as, mortuary monuments.