
Primogeniture
WordNet
noun
(1) Right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Late Latin primogenitura, from Latin primus + genitura birth, from genitus, past participle of gignere
Noun
- The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents.
- An exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son.
Quotations
Anglo-Saxon kings did not succeed on the basis of primogeniture. All the kings offspring were known as aethelings -- throneworthy -- and from this gene pool the royal family would select the aetheling who seemed best qualified for the job.
-- Danny Danziger, The Year 1000