Heir
/ɛər/noun
A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another upon their death.
Did you know?The concept of 'heir' traces back to the idea of divine right; in ancient times, being an heir was seen as receiving a blessing from the gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰer-
“to grasp or enclose, suggesting a connection to holding or inheriting.”
Latin
Latin
heres
“heir, one who inherits, derived from the verb 'haerere' meaning to stick or cling.”
Old French
Old French
eir
“heir, one who inherits property or title.”
Middle English
Middle English
eir
“heir, referring to one entitled to receive an inheritance.”
Modern English
English
heir
“a person who inherits or is entitled to inherit property, rank, or title.”