- Mortification
- Mortification Mor`ti*fi*ca"tion, n. [F., fr. L. mortificatio a
killing. See {Mortify}.]
1. The act of mortifying, or the condition of being
mortified; especially:
(a) (Med.) The death of one part of an animal body, while
the rest continues to live; loss of vitality in some
part of a living animal; gangrene. --Dunglison.
(b) (Alchem. & Old Chem.) Destruction of active qualities;
neutralization. [Obs.] --Bacon.
(c) Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance,
abstinence, or painful severities inflicted on the
body.
[1913 Webster]
The mortification of our lusts has something in it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is unreasonable. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster]
2. Deep humiliation or shame, from a loss of pride; painful embarassment, usually arising from exposure of a mistake; chagrin; vexation. [1913 Webster +PJC]
3. That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin, or vexation. [1913 Webster]
It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a tedious visit. --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]
4. (Scots Law) A gift to some charitable or religious institution; -- nearly synonymous with {mortmain}. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Chagrin; vexation; shame. See {Chagrin}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
