01 n. One who inherits, or is entitled to succeed to the possession of, any property after the death of its owner; one on whom the law bestows th…
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1.
One who inherits, or is entitled to succeed to the possession of, any property after the death of its owner; one on whom the law bestows the title or property of another at the death of the latter.“I am my father's heir and only son.” — Shak.
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2.
One who receives any endowment from an ancestor or relation; as, the heir of one's reputation or virtues.“And I his heir in misery alone.” — Pope.
Phrases & compounds
Heir apparent —
See under Apparent.
Heir at law —
one who, after his ancector's death, has a right to inherit all his intestate estate.
Heir presumptive —
one who, if the ancestor should die immediately, would be his heir, but whose right to the inheritance may be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative, or by some other contingency.