heir loom

1 definition found

heir loom - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  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.