perpetuity

[pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo-] /ˌpɜr pɪˈtu ɪ ti, -ˈtyu-/
noun, plural perpetuities.
1.
the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in):
to desire happiness in perpetuity.
2.
endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
3.
something that is perpetual.
4.
an annuity paid for life.
5.
Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English perpetuite < Latin perpetuitās. See perpetual, -ity
Related forms
nonperpetuity, noun, plural nonperpetuities.
British Dictionary definitions for in perpetuity

perpetuity

/ˌpɜːpɪˈtjuːɪtɪ/
noun (pl) -ties
1.
eternity
2.
the state or quality of being perpetual
3.
(property law) a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law
4.
an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely
5.
in perpetuity, for ever
Word Origin
C15: from Old French perpetuite, from Latin perpetuitās continuity; see perpetual
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).

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 ]