Words / C2

prym-oh-JEN-ich-uh/ˌpraɪməʊˈdʒenɪtʃə/

Primogeniture is the system by which the eldest child, usually the eldest son, inherits the estate or title: male primogeniture, a dispute over primogeniture. First (already in the dictionary) is everyday before the others; a son and a family (already in the dictionary) are everyday kin, and to inherit (already in the dictionary) is to receive from the dead or the past. An heir (already in the dictionary) is the person who inherits — the close twin of the person, not of the system. This batch: propinquity is nearness of kin, of closeness not of a firstborn rule. A family firm is not a named night warden.

Meaning

The system by which the eldest child, usually the eldest son, inherits the estate or title.

Examples

• “Primogeniture of the family firm is not a named night warden.”
• “First is before the others (already in A1). A son is a male child (already in A1). A family is related people (already in A1). To inherit is to receive from family or the past (already in B1). An heir is the person who inherits (already in B2). Propinquity is nearness of place or kin (this batch). Blood on the right object can still be exact. Blood instead of a named post is a hole. Write the rota; leave the pedigree.”

Good to know

Inheritance by the firstborn. Everyday: first / son / family (already in this dictionary). Close: inherit (already in B1); heir (already in B2). This batch: propinquity. Blood ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

firstborn right, succession, inheritance, eldership

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