primogeniture

[ prahy-muh-jen-i-cher, -choor ]

noun

1. the state or fact of being the firstborn of children of the same parents.
2. Law. the system of inheritance or succession by the firstborn, specifically the eldest son. Compare postremogeniture.

primogeniture

/ ˌpraɪməʊˈdʒɛnɪtʃə; ˌpraɪməʊˈdʒɛnɪtərɪ; -trɪ /

noun

1. the state of being a first-born
2. law the right of an eldest son to succeed to the estate of his ancestor to the exclusion of all others Compare ultimogeniture

primogeniture

1. A system of inheritance in which land passes exclusively to the eldest son. Until the Industrial Revolution , this system severely restricted the freedom of younger sons, who were often forced into the military or the clergy to earn a living.

Derived Forms

• primogenitary, adjective

Other Words From

• primo·geni·tary primo·geni·tal adjective
• primo·geni·ture·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of primogeniture¹

First recorded in 1500–20; from Medieval Latin prīmōgenitūra “a first birth,” equivalent to Latin prīmō “at first” + genitūra, equivalent to genit(us) (past participle of gignere “to beget”) + -ūra noun suffix; kin, -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of primogeniture¹

C17: from Medieval Latin prīmōgenitūra birth of a first child, from Latin prīmō at first + Late Latin genitūra a birth

Example Sentences

The book’s title is a play on the phrase “heir and spare,” referring to Harry’s diminished status as the younger brother in a monarchy where succession is governed by primogeniture.

From New York Times

This is a place that values male strength and primogeniture.

From New York Times

For all of Anne’s responsibilities, a superannuated law on male royal primogeniture puts limits on her role.

From New York Times

Victoria privately believed that her eldest daughter would make a better ruler than her eldest son, Chernock said, but she never attempted to challenge male primogeniture publicly.

From New York Times

In Virginia, however, laws abolishing primogeniture and entail had been passed during the Revolution.

From Literature

Related Words

• bequest
• estate
• heritage
• legacy