legitimist

[ li-jit-uh-mist ]

noun

1. a supporter of legitimate authority, especially of a claim to a throne based on direct descent.

adjective

1. Also le·git·i·mis·tic []. of, relating to, or supporting legitimate authority.

legitimist

/ lɪˈdʒɪtɪmɪst /

noun

1. a monarchist who supports the rule of a legitimate dynasty or of its senior branch
2. (formerly) a supporter of the elder line of the Bourbon family in France
3. a supporter of legitimate authority

adjective

1. of or relating to legitimists

Derived Forms

• leˈgitimism, noun

Other Words From

• le·git·i·mism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legitimist¹

1835–45; < Latin lēgitim ( us ) lawful ( legitim ) + -ist, modeled on French légitimiste

Example Sentences

As he entered, Gazonal made one remark only, but that remark was both legitimate and legitimist: "It is finer than the Tuileries!"

From Project Gutenberg

Republicanism is gaining everywhere where religion is not on the side of the Legitimist party.

From Project Gutenberg

He adopted the profession of arms and distinguished himself at first by his zeal in the legitimist cause.

From Project Gutenberg

M. Desormeaux, the head clerk at the Department of Justice, was an old legitimist, much imbued with reactionary ideas.

From Project Gutenberg

From the collection of M. de Mont Louis, a devoted legitimist, who died at a very advanced age, in 1850.

From Project Gutenberg