mid-15c., "arrogance, presumption," a sense now obsolete; 1650s, "character of being to the point; relevance, suitableness," from French pertenance or formed in English from pertinent + -ence.
Entries linking to pertinence
pertinent adj.
"belonging or relating to the subject or matter in hand," late 14c., from Anglo-French purtinaunt (late 13c.), Old French partenant (mid-13c.) and directly from Latin pertinentem (nominative pertinens) "pertaining," present participle of pertinere "to relate, concern" (see pertain). Related: Pertinently.