perpetuity
[pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo-]
- the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in): to desire happiness in perpetuity.
- endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
- something that is perpetual.
- an annuity paid for life.
- Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.
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Origin of perpetuity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
perpetuity
- eternity
- the state or quality of being perpetual
- property law a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law
- an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely
- in perpetuity for ever
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Word Origin
C15: from Old French perpetuite, from Latin perpetuitās continuity; see perpetual
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for in perpetuity
perpetuity
n.
late 14c., from Old French perpetuité "permanence, duration" (13c., Modern French perpétuité) and directly from Latin perpetuitatem (nominative perpetuitas) "uninterrupted duration, continuity, continuous succession," from perpetuus (see perpetual).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with in perpetuity
in perpetuity
For all time, forever, as in This land was given to the state in perpetuity. [First half of 1400s]
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.