heir at law

noun

, plural heirs at law.

1. a person who inherits, or has a right of inheritance in, the real property of one who has died without leaving a valid will.

heir-at-law

noun

1. property law the person entitled to succeed to the real property of a person who dies intestate

Word History and Origins

Origin of heir at law¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

It could hardly be expected that the heir-at-law would have fulfilled these intentions, even had he been cognisant of them.

From Project Gutenberg

The heir-at-law was well inclined to it, but melancholy, so that the people dare not trust to a settlement from him.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be fatal to the interests of Floyd if the will should be ignored and half the estate allowed him as heir-at-law.

From Project Gutenberg

Till she became my widow and my heir-at-law, the mercenary baronet would play his cards to win her honorably.

From Project Gutenberg

It turned out that Mr. Dorrit, being of the Dorrits of Dorsetshire, was heir-at-law to a great fortune.

From Project Gutenberg