heir presumptive

heir presumptive

n. pl. heirs presumptive

An heir whose claim can be defeated by the birth of a closer relative before the death of the ancestor.

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heir presumptive

n

(Law) Property law a person who expects to succeed to an estate but whose right may be defeated by the birth of one nearer in blood to the ancestor Compare heir apparent

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

heir presumptive - a person who expects to inherit but whose right can be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative heir, heritor, inheritor - a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another heir apparent - an heir whose right to an inheritance cannot be defeated if that person outlives the ancestor