Mor`ti*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [F., fr. L.
mortificatio a killing. See Mortify.]
1. The act of mortifying, or the condition of
being mortified; especially: (a) (Med.)
The death of one part of an animal body, while the rest
continues to live; loss of vitality in some part of a living animal;
gangrene. Dunglison. (b) (Alchem. &
Old Chem.) Destruction of active qualities;
neutralization. [Obs.] Bacon. (c)
Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance,
abstinence, or painful severities inflicted on the body.
The mortification of our lusts has something in
it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is
unreasonable.
Tillotson.
(d) Hence: Deprivation or depression of self-
approval; abatement of pride; humiliation; chagrin;
vexation.
We had the mortification to lose sight of
Munich, Augsburg, and Ratisbon.
Addison.
2. That which mortifies; the cause of
humiliation, chagrin, or vexation.
It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a
studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a tedious
visit.
L'Estrange.
3. (Scots Law) A gift to some
charitable or religious institution; -- nearly synonymous with
mortmain.
Syn. -- Chagrin; vexation; shame. See Chagrin.
