Primogeniture

Race To the Courthouse

From Latin for “first born,” the ancient rule from feudal england (except in the county of kent) that the oldest son would inherit the entire estate of his parents (or nearest ancestor), and, if there was no male heir, the daughters would take (receive the property) in equal shares. the intent was to preserve larger properties from being broken up into small holdings, which might weaken the power of nobles. it does not exist in the united states.

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