heir presumptive

noun

, plural heirs presumptive.

1. a person who is expected to be the heir but whose expectations may be canceled by the birth of a nearer heir.

heir presumptive

noun

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heir presumptive¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

And that warrants you in sending me to tilt against this foolish heir-presumptive windmill.

From Project Gutenberg

Emanuel Geibel presented himself as heir presumptive to the mantle of Heine.

From Project Gutenberg

Madame de la Baudraye gave birth to a boy that might have filled a queen with envy who hoped for an heir-presumptive.

From Project Gutenberg

Among them was the heir presumptive of the house, a youth of the age of Ferdinand, and of a prepossessing appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

You are the Prince of Lochdougal, heir presumptive to the estates and titles of the Stuarts.

From Project Gutenberg