In-hēr'it-ançe, n.
n. 1. (Law.) A perpetual or continuing right to an estate in a man and his heirs; an estate which a man has by descent as heir to another, or which he may transmit to another as his heir; an estate derived from an ancestor to an heir in course of law.
Sense 2. That which is or may be inherited; that which is derived by an heir from an ancestor.
When the son dies, let the inheritance Descend unto the daughter. Shak.
Sense 3. A permanent or valuable possession or blessing.
Sense 4. A possession received by gift, or without purchase; also, possession; ownership. “The inheritance of their loves.” Shak.
To you the inheritance belongs by right Of brother’s praise; to you eke ’longs his love. Spenser.
Sense 5. (Script.) Future reward of righteousness.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints. Col. i. 12.
Ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col. iii. 24.