primogeniture Definition
- 1the state of being the firstborn child in a family, especially the right of the eldest son to inherit the entire estate of his parents
- 2a system of inheritance in which the eldest son receives all or the main part of the inheritance
Using primogeniture: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "primogeniture" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In some cultures, primogeniture is still practiced.
Example
The king's eldest son inherited the throne due to the principle of primogeniture.
Example
Primogeniture was abolished in England in 1925.
primogeniture Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for primogeniture
- eldest son's right
- inheritance system
- lineage law
Phrases with primogeniture
a system of inheritance where only the eldest male child has the right to inherit the family's property
Example
The tradition of male primogeniture was common in many ancient societies.
female primogeniture
a system of inheritance where only the eldest female child has the right to inherit the family's property
Example
In some cultures, female primogeniture was practiced instead of male primogeniture.
a legal system that enforces the principle of primogeniture
Example
The primogeniture law was amended to allow for equal distribution of inheritance among all children.
Origins of primogeniture
from Latin 'primus' meaning 'first' and 'genitura' meaning 'birth'
Summary: primogeniture in Brief
Primogeniture [prʌɪməʊˈdʒɛnɪtjʊə] refers to the state of being the firstborn child in a family, especially the right of the eldest son to inherit the entire estate of his parents. It can also refer to a system of inheritance in which the eldest son receives all or the main part of the inheritance. Examples of its usage include 'In some cultures, primogeniture is still practiced.' and 'The king's eldest son inherited the throne due to the principle of primogeniture.'
