I. ˈherə̇d.ij, -ə̇tij sometimes -rəˌtāj noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from heriter to inherit (from Late Latin hereditare, from Latin hered-, heres heir) + -age — more at heir
1.
a. law : real and other property that descends to an heir as distinguished from personal property that passes to an executor or administrator : patrimony
b. Scots law : immovable property as distinguished from movable or personal property
2.
a. : something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor : inheritance , legacy
rich heritage of folklore
a heritage , a shrine, their history in stone — Britain Today
war had left its heritage of poverty — Rose Macaulay
the corn crop is a heritage from the Indians — Annual Report of Illinois Power Co.
b. : tradition
a … party whose heritage is vision and boldness — M.W.Straight
institutions … adapted to varying national heritages — S.P.Hayes b.1910
3. : birthright
the heritage of natural freedom was long since cast away — V.L.Parrington
II. adjective
Etymology: heritage , noun
: of, relating to, or having historic significance
a heritage building
also : emphasizing the traditional or nostalgic
heritage foods
heritage tourism