GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Entail , n. [OE. entaile carving, OF. entaille, F., an incision, fr. entailler to cut away; pref. en- (L. in) + tailler to cut; LL. feudum talliatum a fee entailed, i. e., curtailed or limited. See Tail limitation, Tailor.]
   That which is entailed. Hence: (Law) (a) An estate in fee entailed, or limited in descent to a particular class of issue. (b) The rule by which the descent is fixed.
   1913 Webster
   A power of breaking the ancient entails, and of alienating their estates.
   Hume.
   
   1913 Webster
   Delicately carved ornamental work; intaglio. [Obs.] “A work of rich entail.”
   Spenser.
   
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2.       
   Entail, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Entailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Entailing.] [OE. entailen to carve, OF. entailler. See Entail, n.]
   To settle or fix inalienably on a person or thing, or on a person and his descendants or a certain line of descendants; -- said especially of an estate; to bestow as an heritage.
   1913 Webster
   Allowing them to entail their estates.
   Hume.
   
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   I here entail
   The crown to thee and to thine heirs forever.
   Shak.
   
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   To appoint hereditary possessor. [Obs.]
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   To entail him and his heirs unto the crown.
   Shak.
   
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   To cut or carve in an ornamental way. [Obs.]
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   Entailed with curious antics.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster