What is the etymology of the word perpetuity?

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Word origins, P

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	What is the etymology of the word perpetuity? By spsstudent Asked Apr 17 2007 2:14PM	3 Pts Rate Question

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Answer 1 out of 2

by hijklmno on Apr 17, 2007 at 2:44 pm Permalink

It comes from "perpetual". Etymology of which is:

perpetual
c.1340, from O.Fr. perpetuel (12c.), from L. perpetualis "universal," in M.L. "permanent," from perpetuus "continuous, universal," from perpetis, gen. of Old L. perpes "lasting," probably from per- "through" + root of petere "to seek, go to, aim at" (see petition). The verb perpetuate is first recorded 1530; perpetuity is from 1406. Perpetual motion is attested from 1593.

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Answer 2 out of 2

by KagomeShuko on Apr 17, 2007 at 2:43 pm Permalink

Main Entry: per·pe·tu· i·ty
Pronunciation: "p&r-p&-'tü -&-tE, -'tyü-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English perpetuite, from Anglo-French perpetuité, from Latin perpetuitat-, perpetuitas, from perpetuus
1 : ETERNITY 2
2 : the quality or state of being perpetual <bequeathed to them in perpetuity>
3 a : the condition of an estate limited so that it will not take effect or vest within the period fixed by law b : an estate so limited
4 : an annuity payable forever