patrimony (patrimoni)

[F. patrimoine Sp. Pg. It. patrimonio, heritage. I pray you stand, good father, to me now; Give me Bianca for my patrimony . Shak., T. of the S., iv. 4. 22. A gem but worth a private patrimony Is nothing; we will eat such at a meal. B. Jonson, Volpone, iii. 6. A patrimony which neither kings nor potentates can bequeath to their offspring. D. Webster, Speech at Concord, Sept. 30, 1834. 2. A church estate or revenue; the endowment of a church or religious house. patriot (pā'tri-ot or pat'ri-ot), n. and a. [F. patriote = Sp. Pg. patriot a = It. patriot to = D. G. Sw. Dan. patriot , one who loves his country, πατριά , a race (cf. πάτριος , from the forefathers, hereditary), πατήρ = L. pater = E. father: see father .] I. n. A person who loves his country, and zealously supports and defends it and its interests. There are times and seasons when the best patriots are willing to withdraw their hands from the commonwealth, as Phocion in his latter days was observed to decline the management of affairs. Dryden, King Arthur, Ded. Such is the patriot's boast, where'er we roam, His first, best country ever is at home. Goldsmith , Traveller, 1. 73. II. a. Patriotic; devoted to the welfare of one's country: as, patriot zeal. Ah, let not Britons doubt their social aim, Whose ardent bosoms catch this ancient fire! Cold interest melts before the vivid flame, And patriot ardours but with life expire! Shenstone, Elegies, ii. IMG:content-2468.png:[blocks in formation]