- perpetual
- c.1340, from O.Fr. perpetuel (12c.), from L. perpetualis "universal," in M.L. "permanent," from perpetuus "continuous, universal," from perpetis, gen. of Old L. perpes "lasting," probably from per- "through" + root of petere "to seek, go to, aim at" (see petition). The verb perpetuate is first recorded 1530; perpetuity is from 1406. Perpetual motion is attested from 1593.