First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
patrimony
noun pat·ri·mo·ny \ˈpa-trə-ˌmō-nē\
: property that you receive from your father when he dies
: things that are from the past
Full 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
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Origin of PATRIMONY
Middle English patrimoine, patrimonie, from Anglo-French patremoine, from Latin patrimonium, from patr-, pater father
Related to PATRIMONY
- Synonyms
- bequest, birthright, heritage, legacy, inheritance
Other Legal Terms
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