heir at law

noun

, plural heirs at law.

1. a person who inherits, or has a right of inheritance in, the real property of one who has died without leaving a valid will.

heir-at-law

noun

1. property law the person entitled to succeed to the real property of a person who dies intestate

Word History and Origins

Origin of heir at law¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

In the 19th century, the actor Joseph Jefferson portrayed Peter Pangloss in the comedy “The Heir at Law” with a coiffure that suggested a horizontal volcanic eruption.

From New York Times

Heir general, or heir at law, he who after the death of his ancestor has, by law, the right to the inheritance.

From Project Gutenberg

It was decided that his pictures and drawings should be presented to the National Gallery, that one thousand pounds should be spent on a monument to the painter in St. Paul's, twenty thousand pounds should be given to the Royal Academy, and the remainder to the next of kin and heir at law.

From Project Gutenberg

Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law.

From Project Gutenberg

Both had been hard fighters in their time, and looked as if they would furnish what Caroline in "The Heir at Law" calls "not an inviting meal."

From Project Gutenberg