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

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

From Project Gutenberg

Nobiles enixi eam rogare, ut proferat nomina eorum qui hoc detulere: cogatque illos accusationem legitim ac palm adornare.

From Project Gutenberg