from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
PATRIMONY. Patrimony is sometimes understood to mean all kinds of property
but its more limited signification, includes only such estate, as has
descended in the same family and in a still more confined sense, it is only
that which has descended or been devised in a direct line from the father,
and by extension, from the mother, or other ancestor.
2. By patrimony, patrimonium, is also understood the father's duty to
take care of his children. Sw. pt. 3, Sec. 18, n. 31, p. 235.