Word of the Day

: January 28, 2009

primogeniture

noun prye-moh-JENN-uh-chur

What It Means

1 : the state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents

2 : an exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son

primogeniture in Context

Brian argued that primogeniture gave him the right to the first piece of cake among his siblings.

Did You Know?

In many civilizations, past and present, the state of being the oldest among siblings is a key component of inheritance law. “Primogeniture,” which first appeared in English in the early 17th century, derives from the Late Latin “primogenitura,” a combination of the Latin “primus” (“first”) and “genitura” (“birth”), from the past participle of “gignere” (“to beget”). For those who are youngest in birth order, a similar word applies -- “ultimogeniture” -- but this word is newer (first appearing in English in 1882) and much less common.