-amort-

v., n., a., n. Same as Amortize, Amortization, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. amortissable. ] Capable of being cleared off, as a debt. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. amortisatio, admortizatio. See Amortize, and cf. Admortization. ] 1. (Law) The act or right of alienating lands to a corporation, which was considered formerly as transferring them to dead hands, or in mortmain. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The extinction of a debt, usually by means of a sinking fund; also, the money thus paid. Simmonds. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ OE. amortisen, LL. amortisare, admortizare, F. amortir to sell in mortmain, to extinguish; L. ad + mors death. See Mortmain ]. 1. To make as if dead; to destroy. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) To alienate in mortmain, that is, to convey to a corporation. See Mortmain. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To clear off or extinguish, as a debt, usually by means of a sinking fund. [ 1913 Webster ]