heir etymology

Etymology

The word "heir" comes from the Old English word "ierfe," which originally meant "inheritance." The Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "erbiz," which also meant "inheritance." The Proto-Germanic word is possibly derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "orbho-," meaning "to inherit."

Meaning

An heir is a person who is entitled to receive the property or wealth of a deceased person, according to the terms of a will or by law. An heir can be a natural person, such as a child or spouse, or a legal entity, such as a corporation or trust.

Origin

The concept of inheritance has been around for centuries, and the word "heir" has been used to describe someone who is entitled to receive property from a deceased person for just as long. In ancient times, inheritance was often determined by the laws of primogeniture, which gave the eldest son the right to inherit all of his father's property. Over time, the laws of inheritance have evolved, and in many countries today, all of a person's children are entitled to inherit an equal share of their property.

heir relate terms

  • heredity

    Etymology The word heredity comes from the Latin word hereditas which means inherit

  • apparent

    Etymology Latin apparens present participle of apparere to appear to become visible

  • appear

    Etymology The word appear comes from the Latin verb apparere meaning to become visi

  • heir

    Etymology The word heir comes from the Old English word ierfe which originally meant

  • inherit

    Etymology Origin Latin haerere meaning to stick to Via Old French enheriter m

  • dowager

    Etymology The word dowager derives from the Anglo Norman French word douwerie which

  • relief

    Etymology Latin relevare meaning to lighten ease lift Ancient Greek analeipsis

  • partner

    Etymology The word partner is derived from the Middle French word partenaire which i

  • katydid

    Etymology The word katydid comes from the onomatopoeic sound made by these insects

  • orphan

  • scion

    Etymology Latin sció scīre to know Meaning a descendant of a particular ance

  • recipient

    Etymology Latin recipere meaning to take back receive or embrace Meaning A

  • offspring

    Etymology The word offspring comes from the Middle English word offspring which in t

  • progeny

    Etymology Progeny comes from the Latin word progenies which means descendants offsp