Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
  • Ballentine's Law Dictionary

    A gift to the priest from the decedent’s property at the burial of his body.

  • Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition

    A mortuary, thus termed because, when a mortuary became due on the dcath of a man, the best or second-best beast was, according to custom, offered or presented to the priest, and carried with the corpse. In Wales a corse-present was due upon the death of a clergyman to the bishop of the diocese, till abolished by 12 Anne St 2, c. 6. 2 Bl. Comm. 426.