endowment Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun natural abilities or qualities
talent; natural endowment; gift.
noun the capital that provides income for an institution
endowment fund.
noun the act of endowing with a permanent source of income
- his generous endowment of the laboratory came just in the nick of time

The act of bestowing a dower, fund, or permanent provision for support.
That which is bestowed or settled on a person or an institution; property, fund, or revenue permanently appropriated to any object; as, the endowment of a church, a hospital, or a college.
That which is given or bestowed upon the person or mind; gift of nature; accomplishment; natural capacity; talents; -- usually in the plural.
His early endowments had fitted him for the work he was to do. I. Taylor.