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 for perpetuity
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
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