n.; pl.Mortuaries [ LL. mortuarium. See Mortuary, a. ] 1. A sort of ecclesiastical heriot, a customary gift claimed by, and due to, the minister of a parish on the death of a parishioner. It seems to have been originally a voluntary bequest or donation, intended to make amends for any failure in the payment of tithes of which the deceased had been guilty. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A burial place; a place for the dead. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A place for the reception of the dead before burial; a deadhouse; a morgue. [ 1913 Webster ]