Pronunciation: [ɐtˈɔːn] (IPA) 
The word "attorn" is a legal term that means to transfer someone's property or rights to another person. Despite its uncommon usage, it can be confusingly spelled as "eturn" or "atturn." The correct pronunciation of this word is "uh-tawrn," with the "a" sounding like the "a" in "father" and the "r" being lightly rolled. This phonetic transcription may help in accurately spelling and pronouncing this legal term.
"Attorn" is a verb that originated from the Latin word "attornare," meaning "to turn over" or "to transfer." In legal contexts, it refers to the act of voluntarily transferring one's rights or obligations from one party to another. Specifically, it denotes the act of a tenant acknowledging a new landlord or owner as his or her rightful recipient of rent payments, duties, and other lease-related responsibilities.
By attorning, the tenant recognizes and accepts the new landlord as the lawful successor to the previous landlord or as the new owner of the property. This transfer of allegiance typically occurs when there is a change in ownership of the property, such as when the landlord sells the property to a new owner or transfers the property to another person or entity. The tenant becomes obligated to perform the terms and conditions of the lease with the new landlord.
The process of attornment is often documented through a written attornment agreement, which outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties involved in the transfer. Attornment is important in establishing a legally recognized relationship and ensuring the continuity of lease agreements and tenancy rights.
Overall, "attorn" serves as a legal term describing the formal acknowledgment and acceptance of a new landlord or owner by a tenant, thereby facilitating the transfer of lease-related responsibilities and maintaining the continuity of tenancy.
The word "attorn" is derived from the Old French term "atorner", which means "to turn over to" or "to assign". It entered the English language in the early 14th century as a legal term and generally referred to the act of transferring the rights and obligations of one person to another, particularly in the context of property or tenancy. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote the act of acknowledging a new lord or master, particularly by a tenant. Today, the term is rarely used outside of legal or feudal contexts.
