[mort.gage] n [ME morgage, fr. MF, fr. OF, fr. mort dead (fr. L mortuus) + gage gage--more at murder] (15c) 1: a conveyance of or lien against property that is defeated upon payment or performance according to stipulated terms
2. a: the instrument evidencing the mortgage b: the state of the property so mortgaged c: the interest of the mortgagee in such property
[2]mortgage vt mort.gaged ; mort.gag.ing (15c) 1: to grant or convey by a mortgage
2: to subject to a claim or obligation: pledge