- Main Entry:
- 1heir

- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈer\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French eir, heir, from Latin hered-, heres; akin to Greek chēros bereaved
- Date:
- 13th century
1
: one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
2
: one who inherits or is entitled to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office <heir to the throne>
3
: one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from a parent or predecessor
—
heir·less
\-ləs\ adjective
—
heir·ship
\-ˌship\ noun