patrimony

patrimony (ˈpætrɪmənɪ)

—n , pl -nies
1.	an inheritance from one's father or other ancestor
2.	the endowment of a church

[C14 patrimoyne, from Old French, from Latin patrimonium paternal inheritance]

patrimonial

—*adj*

patri'monially

—*adv*

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

patrimony

mid-14c., "property of the Church," also "spiritual legacy of Christ," from O.Fr. patrimonie (12c.), from L. patrimonium "a paternal estate, inheritance," from pater (gen. patris) "father" + -monium, suffix signifying action, state, condition. Meaning "property inherited from a father or ancestors"

is attested from late 14c. Fig. sense of "immaterial things handed down from the past" is from 1580s. A curious sense contrast to matrimony.

Example sentences

Patrimony traditionally refers to a family inheritance.

Natural resources are seen by many as a national patrimony, meaning all profits should be shared.

It's a moving if slightly schmaltzy tribute to the richness of the city's

cultural patrimony.

It may not have time to flog much of this patrimony before it goes to the polls.

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Related Words

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heritage

Matching Quote

"The heritage of the American Revolution is forgotten, and the American government, for better and for worse, has entered into the heritage of Europe as though it were its patrimony—unaware, alas, of the fact that Europe's declining power was preceded and accompanied by political bankruptcy, the bankruptcy of the nation-state and its concept of sovereignty."

-Hannah Arendt

patrimony

pat·ri·mo·ny