hə̇ˌpäthəˈkāshən, (ˌ)hīˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin hypothecation-, hypothecatio, from hypothecatus (past participle) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1. Roman, civil, & maritime law : the act or contract by which property (as real property) is hypothecated
2. Roman, civil, & maritime law : the right or power of a creditor or claimant over property owned by his debtor or another who has pledged it for the debt to cause the property to be sold to satisfy his claim if payment is defaulted