(law) In the law of inheritance, an heir who is legally entitled to inherit the property of a person who has died, even though that heir is only distantly related to the deceased, and therefore has no reason to feel bereaved over the death.

plural of heir general

(law) Synonym of heir-at-law

plural of forced heir

(law) A person who, under the laws of a particular jurisdiction, can not be disinherited, even by a will.

plural of heir by custom

(law) One whose right to inherit as heir is determined by customary modes of descent, such as gavelkind.

plural of heir apparent

plural of heir presumptive

(Scotland, law) A proceeding before a jury to determine the heir of a deceased person.