patrimony

noun

pat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈpa-trə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce patrimony (audio)
1
a
: an estate inherited from one's father or ancestor
there were always children, and the patrimony was divided every timeD. H. Lawrence
b
: anything derived from one's father or ancestors : heritage
These historic landmarks are an important part of our cultural patrimony.
2
: an estate or endowment belonging by ancient right to a church
canon law … aims at conserving the patrimony of the dioceseT. J. Reese
patrimonial adjective

Examples of patrimony in a Sentence

These historic landmarks are an important part of our cultural patrimony. her patrimony was the family's newspaper business
Recent Examples on the Web In the most profoundly general sense, the very enactment of this legislation reflected and represented a monumental shift in the power relationships between museums and Native communities and their cultural patrimony. Patricia Failing, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2024 The family eventually registered the work with Italy’s patrimony police. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024 Finally, last month Cinzia Altieri, a graphologist for a patrimony court in Milan, was able to certify the Picasso signature as authentic. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 2 Oct. 2024 Fashion, as much as anything, has been part of France’s patrimony and identity in the world. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for patrimony 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patrimony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of patrimony was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near patrimony

Cite this Entry

“Patrimony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patrimony. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

patrimony

noun
pat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈpa-trə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce patrimony (audio)
plural patrimonies
1
: an estate inherited from one's father or ancestors
2
: something passed down from one's father or ancestors : heritage
patrimonial adjective

Legal Definition

patrimony

noun
pat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈpa-trə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce patrimony (audio)
plural patrimonies
1
: an estate inherited from one's father or ancestor
to deprive her and her coheirs of their patrimonyWells Fargo Bank v. Kincaid, 260 Cal. App. 2d 120 (1968)
2
: an estate or endowment belonging to a church
the property of a dissolved parish shall pass to the patrimony of the diocese
3
in the civil law of Louisiana : the net assets of a person : the sum of a person's assets and liabilities
reimbursement shall be made from the patrimony of the spouse who owes reimbursementLouisiana Civil Code
Etymology

Middle French patrimonie, from Latin patrimonium, from patr-, pater father

More from Merriam-Webster on patrimony

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