Found 2 items, similar to heir presumptive.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: heir presumptive heir presumptive n : a person who expects to inherit but whose right can be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative [ant: heir apparent ]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Heir presumptive Heir \Heir\ ([^a]r), n. [OE. heir, eir, hair, OF. heir, eir, F. hoir, L. heres; of uncertain origin. Cf. Hereditary, Heritage.] 1. One who inherits, or is entitled to succeed to the possession of, any property after the death of its owner; one on whom the law bestows the title or property of another at the death of the latter. [1913 Webster] I am my father's heir and only son. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. One who receives any endowment from an ancestor or relation; as, the heir of one's reputation or virtues. [1913 Webster] And I his heir in misery alone. --Pope. [1913 Webster] Heir apparent. (Law.) See under Apparent. Heir at law, one who, after his ancector's death, has a right to inherit all his intestate estate. --Wharton (Law Dict.). Heir presumptive, one who, if the ancestor should die immediately, would be his heir, but whose right to the inheritance may be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative, or by some other contingency. [1913 Webster]