Per`pe*tu"i*ty (?), n.
[L. perpetuitas: cf. F.
perpétuité.]
1. The quality or state of being perpetual; as, the perpetuity of laws.
Bacon.
A path to perpetuity of fame.
Byron. The perpetuity of single emotion is insanity.
I.
Taylor. 2. Something that is perpetual. South.
3. Endless time. "And yet we should, for perpetuity, go hence in debt." Shak.
4.
(Annuities) (a) The number of
years in which the simple interest of any sum becomes equal to the
principal. (b) The number of years' purchase to be given for
an annuity to continue forever. (c)
A perpetual annuity.
5. (Law) (a) Duration without
limitations as to time. (b)
The quality or condition of an estate
by which it
becomes inalienable, either perpetually or for a very long period; also, the estate itself so modified or perpetuated.
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