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Webster 1913 Edition


Pertain

Per-tain′

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Pertained
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Pertaining
.]
[OE.
partenen
, OF.
partenir
, fr. L.
pertinere
to stretch out, reach, pertain;
per + tenere
to hold, keep. See
Per-
, and
Tenable
, and cf.
Appertain
,
Pertinent
.]
1.
To belong; to have connection with, or dependence on, something, as an appurtenance, attribute, etc.; to appertain;
as, saltness
pertains
to the ocean; flowers
pertain
to plant life.
Men hate those who affect that honor by ambition which
pertaineth
not to them.
Hayward.
2.
To have relation or reference to something.
These words
pertain
unto us at this time as they
pertained
to them at their time.
Latimer.

Webster 1828 Edition


Pertain

PERTA'IN

,
Verb.
I.
[L. pertineo, per and tenco, to hold.]
1.
To belong; to be the property, right or duty of.
Men hate those who affect honor by ambition, which pertaineth not to them.
He took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah. 2 Kings.12.
It pertains to the governor to open the ports by proclamation.
2.
To have relation to. Acts.1.

Definition 2024


pertain

pertain

English

Verb

pertain (third-person singular simple present pertains, present participle pertaining, simple past and past participle pertained)

  1. (intransitive) to belong to or be a part of; be an adjunct, attribute, or accessory of
  2. (intransitive) to relate, to refer, be relevant to
  3. (intransitive) To apply; to be or remain in place; to continue to be applicable

Usage notes

  • In all the above senses, pertain is followed by to (or formerly by unto, as in The King James Version of The Bible and in the plays of Shakespeare, although to is used in these works as well).

Quotations

(relate):

  • 1989, Sort out any booklets or manuals that pertain to the heating system or any other fixture that you are leaving behind. One's company, Underwood, Lynn, Southampton: Ashford.

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