English Dictionary

Definition of “entail

entail (ɪnˈteɪlPronunciation for entail

Definitions

verb (tr)

  1. to bring about or impose by necessity; have as a necessary consequence  ⇒ this task entails careful thought 
  2. property law to restrict (the descent of an estate) to a designated line of heirs
  3. logic to have as a necessary consequence

noun

  1. property law 
    1. the restriction imposed by entailing an estate
    2. an estate that has been entailed

Alternative Forms

enˈtailer noun

Word Origin

C14: entaillen , from en-C14: , from 1 + limitation, ² + taille limitation, tail²

Usage examples

  • The commitment to one another that step seemed to entail foundered on the looming presence of the future.
    Stuart Harrison, LOST SUMMER (2002)
  • This may entail the more active involvement of specialists with primary care teams.
    British Medical Journal (2002)
  • Typically, they require, say, $300,000 to $2-million and may entail little more than a scientist working on a project part-time.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • The two Cypriot sides have sharply different views on what a solution should entail.
    Glasgow Herald (2002)
  • A hysterectomy, which has the side-effect of sterilizing you, may well entail removing your cervix, excising one cancer black spot.
    Hayman, Suzie, Vasectomy and Sterilization (1989)

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