Lineage
/ˈlɪn.i.ɪdʒ/noun
A line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor.
Did you know?In medieval times, lineage was not just about bloodlines; it was also believed to determine one's destiny and fate in the cosmos.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leig-
“to lie down, to be laid low, which implies a foundational or resting state.”
Latin
Latin
linea
“a string or thread, symbolizing connection and continuity.”
Old French
Old French
linage
“descent or lineage, emphasizing noble or familial connections.”
Middle English
Middle English
lineage
“the line of descendants, often with connotations of nobility and status.”
Modern English
English
lineage
“the direct descent from an ancestor, encompassing both biological and social aspects.”