patrimony

pat·ri·mo·ny

noun \ˈpa-trə-ˌmō-nē\

Definition of PATRIMONY

1

a : an estate inherited from one's father or ancestor b : anything derived from one's father or ancestors : heritage

2

: an estate or endowment belonging by ancient right to a church

— pat·ri·mo·ni·al \ˌpa-trə-ˈmō-nē-əl\ adjective

Examples of PATRIMONY

1. These historic landmarks are an important part of our cultural patrimony.
2. <her patrimony was the family's newspaper business>

Origin of PATRIMONY

Middle English patrimoine, patrimonie, from Anglo-French patremoine, from Latin patrimonium, from patr-, pater father

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PATRIMONY

Synonyms: bequest, birthright, heritage, legacy, inheritance

Related Words: heirloom; bestowal, gift, offering, present

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi