Hypo'thec

Hypo'thec, a term in the law of Scotland, but not used in England, to denote a lien or security over goods in respect of a debt due by the owner of the goods. Thus, a law-agent or attorney has a hypothee over the title-deeds of his client in respect of his account or bill of costs; and the landlord of agricultural subjects held under leases current at the 11th of November 1881 has a hypothee over the furniture or crops of his tenant for the current rent. The Hypothee Abolition (Scotland) Act, 1880, did away with the landlord's hypothee for the rent of all other land exceeding two acres let for agricultural purposes. See LANDLORD AND TENANT.