primogeniture

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The principle that the eldest child has an exclusive right of inheritance.

   On these grounds, I contend the mere possession of large property, which is all that primogeniture insures, is by no means a sufficient and unobjectionable qualification for a legislator.

2. 2
   noun

   An instance of such a right of inheritance, established by custom or law.

   The King of Sardinia, by a decree of the 9th of Dec. has abolished— 1. The prohibition against the erection of primogenitures and feudal rights, enacted by the 9th section of the edict of the 29th of July 1797, or by any other law; restricting, however, to those primogenitures and majorats only which shall be erected in favour of persons[…].

3. 3
   noun

   right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son

4. 4
   noun

   The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents.

From French, from Late Latin primogenitura, from Latin primus (“first”) + genitura (“birth”) (from genitus, past participle of gignere).

Topics