patrimony

[ pa-truh-moh-nee ]

noun

, plural pat·ri·mo·nies.

1. an estate inherited from one's father or ancestors.

   Synonyms: inheritance

2. any quality, characteristic, etc., that is inherited; heritage.
3. the aggregate of one's property.
4. the estate or endowment of a church, religious house, etc.

patrimony

/ ˈpætrɪmənɪ; ˌpætrɪˈməʊnɪəl /

noun

1. an inheritance from one's father or other ancestor
2. the endowment of a church

Derived Forms

• ˌpatriˈmonially, adverb
• patrimonial, adjective

Other Words From

• patri·moni·al adjective
• patri·moni·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of patrimony¹

1300–50; Middle English patrimonie < Middle French < Latin patrimōnium. See patri-, -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of patrimony¹

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

Example Sentences

Thank you very much, Ukrainians said, we have now rediscovered our history, our cultural patrimony and our peoplehood and because of you, we believe our future lies with Europe.

From Time

She revealed her patrimony after Thurmond died; his family later acknowledged the relationship.

From The Daily Beast

Paeans to patrimony and to the sanctity of land are good at rallying the faithful not only for Jews, but also Arabs.

From The Daily Beast

They apply and lobby for inclusion of their particular patrimony.

From The Daily Beast

All England hath paid his taxes with my patrimony: I was a sheep that left my wool on every briar.

From Project Gutenberg

In his early years he dissipated almost all his patrimony in libertinism and debauchery.

From Project Gutenberg

Nanni di Banco, Vasari tells us, was a man who "inherited a competent patrimony, and one by no means of inferior condition."

From Project Gutenberg

His illusions were those natural to all young men who suddenly come into possession of a patrimony after years of privation.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who wasted their patrimony, forfeited their right of being buried in the sepulchres of their fathers.

From Project Gutenberg