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

If he dies intestate it goes to his heir-at-law, and if he devises the estate it goes to the devisee.

From Project Gutenberg

He gave him a statement of the case in a dry, lawyery sort of way, and told him that Squire Carr being, under the apparent circumstances, heir-at-law, had taken possession of the affairs and property.

From Project Gutenberg

The heir-at-law is not required to bring any land which he has by descent or otherwise from the deceased into hotch-pot, but advancements made to him out of the personal property must be brought in.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides this valuable bequest, the small family property of Long Calderwood was also left to Matthew Baillie, instead of his uncle, John Hunter, who was the heir-at-law.

From Project Gutenberg

The ancient custom of Borough-English formerly prevailed here, by which the youngest son succeeded to property, as heir-at-law, in preference to the elder children.

From Project Gutenberg