noun

primogeniture

pry-moh-JEN-uh-chur

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Primogeniture (noun) means the rule or custom by which the eldest child, historically the eldest son, inherits a parent's title, land or estate ahead of any siblings. Example: “Under primogeniture, the youngest brothers were left to find careers in the army or the church.”

noun

The rule or custom by which the eldest child, historically the eldest son, inherits a parent's title, land or estate ahead of any siblings.

"Under primogeniture, the youngest brothers were left to find careers in the army or the church."

"The 2013 change replaced male-preference primogeniture with an absolute version in the line of succession."

The bare fact of being the firstborn child.

"Her claim rested on primogeniture alone."

How to use primogeniture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe oldest child inherits everything.

When to use it

Formal, largely historical and legal; encountered mainly in history, law and discussion of royal succession.

Memory tip

Absolute primogeniture means the eldest child inherits regardless of sex; male-preference primogeniture puts younger brothers ahead of older sisters.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ultimogeniture → entail → birthright →

Common pairings

male-preference primogeniture absolute primogeniture the law of primogeniture abolish primogeniture

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Under _____, the youngest brothers were left to find careers in the army or the church.

Etymology

From medieval Latin primogenitura, from Latin primogenitus meaning 'firstborn', from primus 'first' and genitus 'born'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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right of the firstborn seniority right

Antonyms

ultimogeniture partible inheritance gavelkind

Related words

gavelkind ultimogeniture

Rhymes for primogeniture

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

See all rhymes for primogeniture →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between primogeniture and ultimogeniture?

Primogeniture gives the inheritance to the eldest child; ultimogeniture, sometimes called borough English, gives it to the youngest. Ultimogeniture was rarer but suited households where older children had already been set up elsewhere and the youngest stayed to work the land.

What is absolute primogeniture?

Absolute primogeniture means the eldest child inherits whatever their sex, so an elder daughter is not displaced by a younger son. Several European monarchies adopted it in the late twentieth century, and the United Kingdom applied it to those born after October 2011.

Why did primogeniture exist?

It kept estates intact. Splitting land equally between all children divided a holding into unviable fragments within a couple of generations, so societies that depended on large landed estates for military service and revenue concentrated the inheritance in one heir.

What is the meaning of primogeniture?

"primogeniture" (noun) means the rule or custom by which the eldest child, historically the eldest son, inherits a parent's title, land or estate ahead of any siblings.

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