I. ˈlinēəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin linealis, from Latin linea line + -alis -al
1. : of or relating to a line : measured on or ascertained by a line : having the direction of a line : linear
lineal magnitude
50 lineal feet of walk
2. : composed of or arranged in lines
lineal designs
a lineal rather than a literal translation
3.
a. : consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry or descent
a lineal descent
lineal heirs
a lineal ancestor
— distinguished from collateral
b. : relating to or derived from ancestors in the direct line
lineal rights
lineal dignity
: hereditary
a lineal feud
c. : descended in a direct line : being in a line of succession through lineage
4.
a. : belonging to one lineage
lineal relatives
b. : of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage
written in lineal terminology
a lineal chief
5. : of or relating to the line or officers of the line in an army or navy
• lin·eal·i·ty ˌlinēˈaləd.ē noun -es
• lin·eal·ly ˈlinēəlē, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
: a lineal descendant