purtenance

noun

pur·​te·​nance ˈpərt-nən(t)s How to pronounce purtenance (audio)
ˈpər-tᵊn-ən(t)s

Word History

Etymology

Middle English portenaunce, literally, appurtenance, from Anglo-French partenance, from partenir to belong — more at pertain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purtenance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near purtenance

Cite this Entry

“Purtenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purtenance. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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