bastardy

[ bas-ter-dee ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being a bastard; illegitimacy.
2. the act of begetting a bastard.

bastardy

/ ˈbɑːstədɪ; ˈbæs- /

noun

1. archaic.
   the condition of being a bastard; illegitimacy

Word History and Origins

Origin of bastardy¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French bastardie. See bastard, -y ³

Example Sentences

But Bracton does have a lot to say about monsters, duels, bastardy, concubines, sturgeon “and other royal fish,” the “pillory and the ducking-stool," and "a judgment with infamy.”

From Washington Post

That in heraldry, a bend sinister indicates bastardy.

From New York Times

Following that blockbuster Uruguay and Portugal will put their credentials to the test in a match with the potential to redefine footballing bastardy.

From The Guardian

The arm-wrestle between Portugal and Uruguay on Saturday will see a meeting of two teams with the necessary tournament bastardy, plus elite attackers in form.

From The Guardian

“All these great men use what comes to them from the Other to modify the Self, to bastardize it, for genius wants bastardy.”

From The New Yorker