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.-a burial place; a place for the dead.-a place for the reception of the dead before burial; a deadhouse; a morgue.-of or pertaining to the dead; as, mortuary monuments.