'Caput mortuum' definitions:

Definition of 'Caput mortuum'

From: GCIDE
  • Caput \Ca"put\ (k[=a]"p[u^]t), n.; pl. Capita (k[a^]p"[i^]*t[.a]). [L., the head.]
  • 1. (Anat.) The head; also, a knoblike protuberance or capitulum. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The top or superior part of a thing. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Eng.) The council or ruling body of the University of Cambridge prior to the constitution of 1856. [1913 Webster]
  • Your caputs and heads of colleges. --Lamb. [1913 Webster]
  • Caput mortuum. [L., dead head.] (Old Chem.) The residuum after distillation or sublimation; hence, worthless residue. [1913 Webster]