pertain, v. i. [OE. partenen, OF. partenir, fr. L. pertinere to stretch out, reach, pertain; per + tenere to hold, keep. See Per-, and Tenable, and cf. Appertain, Pertinent.].
To belong; to have connection with, or dependence on, something, as an appurtenance, attribute, etc.; to appertain; as, saltness pertains to the ocean; flowers pertain to plant life. [1913 Webster]
"Men hate those who affect that honor by ambition which pertaineth not to them."
[1913 Webster]
To have relation or reference to something. [1913 Webster]
"These words pertain unto us at this time as they pertained to them at their time."
[1913 Webster]
pertain, v.intr.
1 (foll. by to) a relate or have reference to. b belong to as a part or appendage or accessory.
2 (usu. foll. by to) be appropriate to.
Etymology
ME f. OF partenir f. L pertinere (as PER-, tenere hold)
affect, appertain, appertain to, apply, apply to, associate, bear, bear on, befit, combine, concern, connect, cover, include, join, pertain to, refer to, regard, relate, relate to, vest
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