adj. & n.
adj. 1 (of a living being, esp. a human) subject to death. 2 (often foll. by to) causing death; fatal. 3 (of a battle) fought to the death. 4 associated with death (mortal agony). 5 (of an enemy) implacable. 6 (of pain, fear, an affront, etc.) intense, very serious. 7 colloq. a very great (in a mortal hurry). b long and tedious (for two mortal hours). 8 colloq. conceivable, imaginable (every mortal thing; of no mortal use).
n. 1 a mortal being, esp. a human. 2 joc. a person described in some specified way (a thirsty mortal). mortal sin Theol. a grave sin that is regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. mortally adv.
[ ME f. OF mortal, mortel or L mortalis f. mors mortis death ]