patrimony

views updated May 18 2018

pat·ri·mo·ny / ˈpatrəˌmōnē/ • n. (pl. -nies) property inherited from one's father or male ancestor. ∎  heritage: an organization that saves the world's cultural patrimony by restoring historic buildings. ∎  chiefly hist. the estate or property belonging by ancient endowment or right to a church or other institution.DERIVATIVES: pat·ri·mo·ni·al / ˌpatrəˈmōnēəl/ adj.

patrimony

views updated May 11 2018

patrimony XIV (patrimoyne). — (O)F. patrimoine — L. patrimōnium, f. pater, patr- FATHER + -mōnium -MONY; later conformed to L.