Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A conveyance of property, upon condition, as security for the payment of a debt or the performance of a duty, and to become void upon payment or performance according to the stipulated terms; also, the written instrument by which the conveyance is made. 2. (n.) State of being pledged; as, lands given in mortgage. 3. (v. t.) To grant or convey, as property, for the security of a debt, or other engagement, upon a condition that if the debt or engagement shall be discharged according to the contract, the conveyance shall be void, otherwise to become absolute, subject, however, to the right of redemption. 4. (v. t.) Hence: To pledge, either literally or figuratively; to make subject to a claim or obligation. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MORTGAGE mor'-gaj (arabh): To give or be security as a part of bartering, give pledges, become surety. In time of great need for food, "Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging (the King James Version "have mortgaged") our fields," etc. (Nehemiah 5:3). See SURETY.