heir presumptive

noun

plural heirs presumptive

Definition of heir presumptive

: an heir whose legal right to an inheritance may be defeated (as by the birth of a nearer relative)

Examples of heir presumptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The heir presumptive was just 13 at the time — five years younger than the naval cadet — but quickly fell in love. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Prince Louis's Christening Date Has a Special Meaning to the Royal Family," 20 June 2018 When William X’s only son died in 1130, Eleanor (who would have been between 6 and 8 years old) became her father’s heir presumptive, a fact that would have kicked her education into high gear. — Anne Thériault, Longreads, "Queens of Infamy: Eleanor of Aquitaine," 4 Apr. 2018 This idyllic society successfully marries scientific innovation with tribal traditions and an egalitarian ethos—during periods of royal succession, a leader from each of Wakanda’s five ethnic groups may challenge the heir presumptive for the throne. — Jonathan W. Gray, New Republic, "The Liberating Visions of Black Panther," 13 Feb. 2018

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