Salic law

American  

noun

1. a code of laws of the Salian Franks and other Germanic tribes, especially a provision in this code excluding females from the inheritance of land.

2. the alleged fundamental law of the French monarchy by which females were excluded from succession to the crown.

3. any law to the same effect.

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Salic law British  

noun

1. 1. the code of laws of the Salic Franks and other Germanic tribes

   2. a law within this code excluding females from inheritance

2. a law excluding women from succession to the throne in certain countries, such as France and Spain

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Etymology

Origin of Salic law

First recorded in 1540–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Salic law

Since her father abolished the so-called Salic law, which allows only male heirs – she can expect to be the next head of her royal house.

From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2026

Susan did not know much about the Salic law; but she knew he meant that he would dust the big books and she would attend to the little ones.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 20, No. 121, November, 1867 by Various

Moreover, he has no doubt that the Salic law must ultimately prevail everywhere.

From Home Life in Germany by Mrs. Alfred Sidgwick

Uprising in Spain against Ferdinand VII, because he had abolished the Salic law, being without male issue and wishing his wife to succeed him.

From The Scrap Book, Volume 1, No. 3 May 1906 by Various

The Salic law had not then been fully established.

From Richard II Makers of History by Jacob Abbott

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