Definition of: entail

(in·tāl′) v.t.
1. To impose or result in (labor, concentration, etc.) as a necessary consequence.
2. Law To restrict the inheritance of (real property) to an unalterable succession of heirs.
3. To leave (anything) to an unalterable succession of heirs.
—noun
1. Anything transmitted as an inalienable inheritance.
2. An estate in fee limited to a particular class of heirs, as eldest sons.
3. The act or custom of thus limiting inheritance. [<EN-¹ + TAIL²]
—en·tail′ment noun