01 n. 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 …
pl.
Mortuaries ((#))
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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.
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2.
A burial place; a place for the dead.
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3.
A place for the reception of the dead before burial; a deadhouse; a morgue.
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4.
A funeral home. See: funeral home