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.
