Definition of "entail" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To imply, require, or invoke.

   • This activity will entail careful attention to detail.

2. (transitive) To settle or fix inalienably on a person or thing, or on a person and his descendants or a certain line of descendants; -- said especially of an estate; to bestow as a heritage.

   • 1754-1762, David Hume, The History of England Allowing them to entail their estates.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To appoint hereditary possessor.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To cut or carve in an ornamental way.

noun

1. That which is entailed.

2. (obsolete) Delicately carved ornamental work; intaglio.