heir presumptive
English edit
Etymology edit
A calque of French héritier présomptif, hence the unusual order of adjective following noun.
Noun edit
heir presumptive (plural heirs presumptive)
- Someone who will become an heir (usually to a monarchy) only if no-one with a higher-ranking claim is born.
- Coordinate term: heiress presumptive
Antonyms edit
Translations edit
one who inherits if no one with a higher-ranking claim is born
|