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

a : an estate inherited from one's father or ancestor

b : anything derived from one's father or ancestors : heritage

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

First Known Use: 14th century

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