Heirloom

In popular usage, an heirloom is something that has been passed down for generations through family members. Examples are a family bible, antiques, weapons or jewellery.^[1]

The term originated with the historical principle of an heirloom in English law, a chattel which by immemorial usage was regarded as annexed by inheritance to a family estate. Loom originally meant a tool. Such genuine heirlooms were almost unknown by the beginning of the twentieth century.^[2]

^ Taylor, Maureen A. (2003). Ancestry Magazine: Nov-Dec 2003. Ancestry Magazine. p. 35.
^ One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Heirloom". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 13 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 217.

[1] Taylor, Maureen A. (2003). Ancestry Magazine: Nov-Dec 2003. Ancestry Magazine. p. 35.

[eb-2] One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Heirloom". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 13 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 217.

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