primogeniture

Meaning

Noun

• The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents.
• The principle that the eldest child has an exclusive right of inheritance.
• An instance of such a right of inheritance, established by custom or law.

Related

Opposite words

• ultimogeniture, postremogeniture

Origin

• From French, from Late Latin primogenitura, from Latin primus + genitura (from genitus, past participle of gignere).