cadency

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkeɪd(ə)nsi/

noun

[mass noun] chiefly Heraldry
  • the status of a younger branch of a family: the arms of younger sons are differenced by marks of cadency

Origin:

early 17th century (in the sense 'rhythm or metrical beat'): based on Latin cadent- 'falling', from the verb cadere. The current sense is apparently by association with cadet