HEIRLOOMS

Such goods and chattels as, contrary to the nature of chattels, shall go by special custom to the heir along with the Inheritance, and not to the executor. The termination “loom” (Sax.) signifies a limb or member ; so that an heirloom is nothing else but a limb or member of the inheritance. They are generally such things as cannot be taken away without damaging or dismembering the freehold; such as deer in a park, doves in a cote, deeds and charters, etc. 2 Bl. Comm. 427.