patrimony

/ˈpæt.ɹɪˌmoʊ.ni/

UK: /ˈpat.ɹɪ.mə.ni/

PÆT · ɹɪmoʊ · ni (3 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A right or estate inherited from one's father; or, in a larger sense, from any male ancestor.

Etymology

First attested in 1513. From earlier patrimoyne, from patremoyne, from Middle French patrimoine/patremoine, semi-learned borrowing from Latin patrimōnium, from pater (“father”) + -mōnium (“state, condition”). By surface analysis, patri- + -mony. Compare matrimony.