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
He had the Salic law drawn up, doubtless between the years 486 and 507; and seems to have been represented in the cities by a new functionary, the graf, comes, or count.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various
The Salic Law, whether in its general or its restricted meaning, was little favored among them.
From Women of America Woman: In all ages and in all countries Vol. 10 (of 10) by Larus, John Rouse
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.
