hypothec noun. [hʌɪ'pɒƟɪk] Also (now only with ref. to Roman law) in Latin form hypotheca [hʌɪpǝ(ʊ)'Ɵi:kǝ]. E16.
[French hypothèque from late Latin hypotheca from Greek hupothēkē deposit, pledge, from hupotithenai deposit as a pledge, formed as HYPO- + tithenai to place.]
In the law of Scotland, the Channel Islands, and ancient Rome: a creditor's right established over a debtor's property that continues in the debtor's possession.

■ hypothecal adjective (now rare or obsolete) = HYPOTHECARY E17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲