a pledge in law, is either vivium or mortuum.

VADIUM Vivium, or Living Pledge, is when a man borrows a sum (suppose 200l.) of another; and grants him an estate, as of 20l. per annum, to hold till the rents and profits shall repay the sum so borrowed. This is an estate conditioned to be void as soon as such sum is raised. And in this case the land or pledge is said to be living: it subsists and survives the debts; and, immediately on the discharge of that, reverts to the borrower. VADUM Mortuum, or Dead Pledge. See MORTGAGE.