GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Heir , n. [OE. heir, eir, hair, OF. heir, eir, F. hoir, L. heres; of uncertain origin. Cf. Hereditary, Heritage.]
    One who inherits, or is entitled to succeed to the possession of, any property after the death of its owner; one on whom the law bestows the title or property of another at the death of the latter.
   1913 Webster
   I am my father's heir and only son.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   One who receives any endowment from an ancestor or relation; as, the heir of one's reputation or virtues.
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   And I his heir in misery alone.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   Heir apparent. (Law.) See under Apparent. -- Heir at law, one who, after his ancector's death, has a right to inherit all his intestate estate. Wharton (Law Dict.). -- Heir presumptive, one who, if the ancestor should die immediately, would be his heir, but whose right to the inheritance may be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative, or by some other contingency.
   1913 Webster