heir loom

HEIR LOOM, estates. This word seems to be compounded of heir and loom, that 
is, a frame, viz. to weave in. Some derive the word loom from the Saxon 
loma, or geloma, which signifies utensils or vessels generally. However this 
may be, the word loom, by time, is drawn to a more general signification, 
than it, at the first, did bear, comprehending all implements of household; 
as, tables, presses, cupboards, bedsteads, wainscots, and which, by the 
custom of some countries, having belonged to a house, are never inventoried 
after the decease of the owner, as chattels, but accrue to the heir, with 
the house itself minsheu[?]. The term heir looms is applied to those 
chattels which are considered as annexed and necessary to the enjoyment of 
an inheritance. 
     2. They are chattels which, contrary to the nature of chattels, descend 
to the heir, along with the inheritance, and do not pass to the executor of 
the last proprietor. Charters, deeds, and other evidences of the title of 
the land, together with the box or chest in which they are contained; the 
keys of a house, and fish in a fish pond, are all heir looms. 1 Inst. 3 a; 
Id. 185 b; 7 Rep. 17 b; Cro. Eliz. 372; Bro. Ab. Charters, pl. 13; 2 Bl. 
Com. 28; 14 Vin. Ab. 291.