primogeniture

pri·mo·gen·i·ture  (prm-jn-chr)

n.

1. The state of being the first-born or eldest child of the same parents.

2. Law The right of the eldest child, especially the eldest son, to inherit the entire estate of one or both parents.

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[Late Latin prmgenitra : Latin prm, at first (from prmus, first; see per¹ in Indo-European roots) + Latin genitra, birth (from genitus; see gen- in Indo-European roots).]

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primo·geni·tary (-jn-tr), primo·geni·tal (-tl) adj.

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primogeniture

Noun

1. Formal the state of being the first-born child

2. Law the right of an eldest son to inherit all the property of his parents [Medieval Latin primogenitura birth of a first child]

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primogeniture

the quality or condition of being a firstborn child. See also law.

See also: Children

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the rights or legal status of the first born in a family. Cf. postremogeniture.

See also: Law

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

primogeniture - right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son inheritance, heritage - that which is inherited; a title or property or estate that passes by law to the heir on the death of the owner