First recorded in 1720–30
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the heir at law, everything was Ronald's—the large amount of money the late lord had saved, title, estates, everything reverted to him.
From Dora Thorne by Brame, Charlotte M.
She persistently put off making one, with the full intention, he believes, that the property shall come to me, her heir at law and next of kin.
From Weighed and Wanting by MacDonald, George
"It looks desp'rately like it, father," answered the eldest born, who might have been well termed the heir at law of all his progenitor's squatting and fierce propensities.
From The Chainbearer Or, The Littlepage Manuscripts by Cooper, James Fenimore
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
It is true, I was heir at law to all Grace's assets, which Mr. Hardinge had handed over to me, the morning I left Clawbonny, duly assigned and transferred.
From Miles Wallingford Sequel to "Afloat and Ashore" by Cooper, James Fenimore
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
