To belong to someone or something as a right, duty, or natural part.
From Old French 'appertenir,' combining 'à' (to) and 'pertenir' (to belong). Entered English in the 13th century to describe what naturally or rightfully belongs to a person or thing.
Medieval lawyers loved this word—it was the precise way to say 'this duty/right/property belongs to you by law,' and it's still used in legal documents today. It's more formal and specific than plain 'belong.'
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