propositus

American  

[pruh-poz-i-tuhs] / prəˈpɒz ɪ təs /

noun

plural

propositi

1. Law. the person from whom a line of descent is derived on a genealogical table.

2. Genetics. proband.

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propositus British  

/ prəˈpɒzɪtəs, prəˈpɒzɪtə /

noun

1. law the person from whom a line of descent is traced

2. Also called (esp US): proband.  med the first patient to be investigated in a family study, to whom all relationships are referred

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Etymology

Origin of propositus

1925–30; < New Latin, special use of past participle of Latin prōpōnere to set forth, propound

Example Sentences

It may be that when our arboreal propositus descended from his palm-tree and began to walk upright about the earth, his progeny were forthwith committed to a journey in which to-day is only a way-station.

From Modern Essays by Ayres, Harry Morgan

The private apartments of the palace were governed by a favorite eunuch, who, in the language of that age, was styled the propositus, or præfect of the sacred bed-chamber.

From History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 2 by Milman, Henry Hart