n. 1 a person entitled to property or rank as the legal successor of its former owner (often foll. by to: heir to the throne). 2 a person deriving or morally entitled to some thing, quality, etc., from a predecessor. heir apparent an heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir. heir-at-law (pl. heirs-at-law) an heir by right of blood, esp. to the real property of an intestate. heir presumptive an heir whose claim may be set aside in this way. heirdom n. heirless adj. heirship n.
[ ME f. OF eir f. LL herem f. L heres -edis ]