Definition of patrimony

The word "patrimony" comes from the Middle English "patrimoine," which is derived from the Old French "patrimoine," meaning "inheritance" or "property received from one's father." The French term is composed of "père" (father) and "mon" (my), literally meaning "my father's." The Old French "patrimoine" was adapted from the Latin "patrimonium," which is the dative plural form of "patrimonium," meaning "the inheritance" or "the property of a father." The Latin term is derived from "pater" (father) and "monium," a suffix forming nouns related to possession. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word have evolved, but its roots remain connected to the idea of a father's inheritance or legacy.