v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Pertained p. pr. & vb. n. Pertaining. ] [ OE. partenen, OF. partenir, fr. L. pertinere to stretch out, reach, pertain; per + tenere to hold, keep. See Per-, and Tenable, and cf. Appertain, Pertinent. ] 1. To belong; to have connection with, or dependence on, something, as an appurtenance, attribute, etc.; to appertain; as, saltness pertains to the ocean; flowers pertain to plant life. [ 1913 Webster ]
Men hate those who affect that honor by ambition which pertaineth not to them. Hayward. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. To have relation or reference to something. [ 1913 Webster ]
These words pertain unto us at this time as they pertained to them at their time. Latimer. [ 1913 Webster ]