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.
His effects, amounting to £2,000 and upwards, were appropriated by the noted Eustace Budgell, to the prejudice of the heir at law, under a will attended with circumstances of great suspicion.
From The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 03 Swift's Writings on Religion and the Church — Volume 1 by Swift, Jonathan
"He is the only heir at law so far as we know," said Mr. Perkins.
From The Stillwater Tragedy by Aldrich, Thomas Bailey
Land which belongs or would belong to a child as heir at law or customary heir need not be brought in to the common fund, even though such land was given during the father's life.
From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg
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
"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
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.
