Word | primogeniture |
---|---|
Date | January 28, 2009 |
Type | noun |
Syllables | prye-moh-JENN-uh-chur |
Etymology | In many civilizations, past and present, the state of being the oldest among siblings is a key component of inheritance law. “Primogeniture,” which first appeared in English in the early 17th century, derives from the Late Latin “primogenitura,” a combination of the Latin “primus” (“first”) and “genitura” (“birth”), from the past participle of “gignere” (“to beget”). For those who are youngest in birth order, a similar word applies -- “ultimogeniture” -- but this word is newer (first appearing in English in 1882) and much less common. |
Examples | Brian argued that primogeniture gave him the right to the first piece of cake among his siblings. |
Definition | 1 : the state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents 2 : an exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son |
Tags: wordoftheday::noun
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