WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Per`pe*tu"i*ty
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. perpetuitas: cf. F. perp?tuit?.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913