Main Entry: ¹heir

Pronunciation: \ˈer\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French eir, heir, from Latin hered-, heres; akin to Greek chēros bereaved

Date: 13th century

1 : one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
2 : one who inherits or is entitled to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office <heir to the throne>
3 : one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from a parent or predecessor

— heir·less \-ləs\ adjective

— heir·ship \-ˌship\ noun