legitim

[ lej-i-tim ]

noun

, Roman and Civil Law, Scots Law.

1. the part of an estate that children or other close relatives can claim against the decedent's testament.

Word History and Origins

Origin of legitim¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin lēgitima ( pars ) the lawful (part), equivalent to lēgi- (stem of lēx law) + -tima, feminine of -timus adj. suffix

Example Sentences

Some delay was occasioned by the gentlemen of the long robe, but the Sponsalia having been finally perused and settled by the eminent barrister Chrysostom Silvertongue, Q.C., were engrossed on the Legitim� Tabell�, and were sealed on Woden's day last.

From Project Gutenberg

On the marriage of both of your children a certain sum was paid down and accepted in full of legitim.

From Project Gutenberg

Ac ill� ex justis nuptiis inter Henricum Septimum et dominam Elizabetham clarissimos nostros parentes contractis in nobis inde legitim� nat� sobole sopit� tandem desierunt.

From Project Gutenberg

Non modo quod a tam illustris et amabilis mulieris consuetudine et consortio divertendum sit, sed multo magis quod specie ad similitudinem veri conjugii decepti in amplexibus plusquam fornicariis tam multos annos trivimus null� legitim� prognat� nobis sobole qu� nobis mortuis hujus inclyti regni hereditatem capessat.

From Project Gutenberg

On the marriage of both of your children a certain sum was paid down and accepted in full of legitim.

From Project Gutenberg