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

Example Sentences

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

The Salic law," adds the duke, "is but a jest.

From History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Vols. 1 and 2 by Prescott, William Hickling

This was the form of granting freedom, according to the Salic law.

From Ekkehard. Vol. II (of II). A Tale of the Tenth Century by Scheffel, Joseph Victor von

For the Salic law and other Frankish laws, see Salic Law, and for the edict of Theodoric I., which was applicable to the Ostrogoths and Romans, see Roman Law.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 7 "Geoponici" to "Germany" by Various

England, thank God you had no Salic law!

From The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume V by Harper, Ida Husted