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Pronunciation varies by accent · noun
(law) A person legally entitled to inherit the property of someone who dies intestate..
'And to whom,' said Lady Knollys, with an effort, 'will the property belong, in case—in case my little cousin here should die before she comes of age?' 'Eh? Well—wouldn't it go to the heir-at-law and next of kin?' said Doctor Bryerly, turning to Abel Grimston. 'Ay—to be sure,' said the attorney, thoughtfully. 'And who is that?' pursued my cousin. 'Well, her uncle, Mr. Silas Ruthyn. He's both heir-at-law and next of kin,' pursued Abel Grimston.
Use heir-at-law when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.
Heir-at-law means (law) A person legally entitled to inherit the property of someone who dies intestate..
Common synonyms include legal heir, statutory heir.
Possible antonyms include legatee.
'And to whom,' said Lady Knollys, with an effort, 'will the property belong, in case—in case my little cousin here should die before she comes of age?' 'Eh? Well—wouldn't it go to the heir-at-law and next of kin?' said Doctor Bryerly, turning to Abel Grimston. 'Ay—to be sure,' said the attorney, thoughtfully. 'And who is that?' pursued my cousin. 'Well, her uncle, Mr. Silas Ruthyn. He's both heir-at-law and next of kin,' pursued Abel Grimston.
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