ˌpər]pəˈtüəd.ē, ˌpə̄], ˌpəi], ]pə.ˈtyü-, -üətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English perpetuite, from Middle French perpetuité, from Latin perpetuitat-, perpetuitas, from perpetuus continuous, perpetual + -itat-, -itas -ity — more at perpetual
1. : endless time : eternity
so lost to perpetuity — John Milton
his companions are playing for perpetuity — Sacheverell Sitwell
2. : the quality or state of being perpetual
a path to perpetuity of fame — Lord Byron
— often used with in
bequeathed them to the nation in perpetuity — S.P.B.Mais
3.
a. : duration without limitations as to time
b. : the condition of an estate limited so that it will not take effect or vest within the period fixed by law or so limited as to be or have a possibility of being inalienable either perpetually or beyond the bounds fixed by law
c. : an estate so limited — see rule against perpetuities
4.
a. : a perpetual annuity
b. : the number of years in which simple interest equals the principal
c. : the number of years' purchase to be given for an annuity to continue forever