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

Joseph de Maistre was "a fierce absolutist, a furious theocrat, an intransigent legitimist ... always and everywhere the champion of the hardest, narrowest and most inflexible dogmatism."

From Salon

“When there’s a war, there’s a reflex to be legitimist,” Pécresse said.

From Washington Times

“When there’s a war, there’s a reflex to be legitimist,” Pécresse said.

From Seattle Times

"Our principles are not yours," scornfully exclaims a Legitimist nobleman—the late Marquis de la Rochejaquelein, if I remember rightly.

From Project Gutenberg

One who adheres to the house of Bourbon; a legitimist.

From Project Gutenberg