Mōr'ti-fi-cā'tion, n.

n. [Lat. mortificatio, Fr. mortification, Pr. mortificacio, Sp. mortificacion, It. mortificazione.] 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. The incipient stage is called gangrene. Dunglison. (b.) (Chem. & Metal.) Destruction of active qualities. [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, generally, 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; cause of humiliation, chagrin, or vexation. It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts disordered by a tedious visit. L'Estrange. 3. (Scots Law.) A bequest to some literary or religious institution;—nearly synonymous with mortmain. Brande. Syn.—Chagrin; vexation; trouble; shame. See CHAGRIN.