Definition of "provenance" [prov•e•nance]

• Place of origin; derivation. (noun)
• The history of the ownership of an object, especially when documented or authenticated. Used of artworks, antiques, and books. (noun)
• The records or documents authenticating such an object or the history of its ownership. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The simplest way to verify provenance is by looking for items that come with a Certificate of Authenticity or a Letter of Authenticity (often abbreviated to COA and LOA)."
• "Now his cellar is deep enough to have plenty of old vintage of white Burgundy and white Bordeaux to draw upon to hedge his exposure to premox, and I am sure that despite his Herculean efforts to ascertain provenance on the old wines he has purchased over the last decade, it is highly unlikely that he has not had to deal with more than his fair share of expensive fakes in his cellar."
• "Leading the fleet of more than 20 antique boats from premier German manufacturers is an exquisite circa-1909 hand-painted Marklin "Priscilla" steamboat, 19 inches long, with provenance from the collection of the late Bill Bertoia."