heir at law

American  

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.

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heir-at-law British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of heir at law

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

"He is the only heir at law so far as we know," said Mr. Perkins.

From The Stillwater Tragedy by Aldrich, Thomas Bailey

Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

Heir general, or heir at law, he who after the death of his ancestor has, by law, the right to the inheritance.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various

The right of an heir at law is only this, that he is to have the succession to an estate, in case no other person is appointed to it by the owner.

From Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 by Hill, George Birkbeck Norman

"And his nephew, Philip Folingsby, Esq., came into possession as heir at law," continued the stranger, in an unvaried tone; "and under his orders I act, having a power of attorney for that purpose."

From Tales and Novels — Volume 02 by Edgeworth, Maria