Hypotheca
Pronunciation : Hy`po*the"ca
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L., fr. Gr. Hypothesis.] (Rom. Law)
Definition : Defn: An obligation by which property of a debtor was made over to his creditor in security of his debt.
Note: It differed from pledge in regard to possession of the property subject to the obligation; pledge requiring, simple hypotheca not requiring, possession of it by the creditor. The modern mortgage corresponds very closely with it. Kent.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913