Dictionary entry

Mortify (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Mor″ti‐fy, v. i. 1. To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body; to gangrene.

2. To practice penance from religious motives; to deaden desires by religious discipline.

This makes him... give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast, and mortify. Law.

3. To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc.