Dead hand Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
    mortmain.
  2. noun the oppressive influence of past events or decisions
    dead hand of the past; mortmain.

WordNet


Definitions
  1. a hand that can not alienate, as of a person civilly dead. "Serfs held in dead hand." Morley. See Mortmain.

Webster 1913