1540–50; < Medieval Latin Salicus, equivalent to Late Latin Sal ( iī ) (plural) tribal name + -icus -ic
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
If Salic Law had applied in Great Britain and Victoria had not succeeded King William IV as Queen in 1837, who would be the sovereign today?
From Time • Jul. 23, 2013
Repeal of the Salic Law forbidding female rulers allowed her to succeed to the throne.
From Time Magazine Archive
But in the 18th century under the Bourbon kings, who loved all things French, the Salic Law was introduced and continued in force till Ferdinand VII changed it at La Granja.
From Heroic Spain by O'Reilly, Elizabeth Boyle
Salic lands, characteristics of, i. 147-149 and notes.
From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry
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.
