primogeniture

 
Pronunciation: /ˌprʌɪmə(ʊ)ˈdʒɛnɪtʃə/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the state of being the firstborn child.
  • (also right of primogeniture) the right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.

Derivatives

primogenital

adjective

primogenitary

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century: from medieval Latin primogenitura, from Latin primo 'first' + genitura 'geniture'