The Collaborative International Dictionary
Heir \Heir\ ([^a]r), n. [OE. heir, eir, hair, OF. heir, eir, F. hoir, L. heres; of uncertain origin. Cf. Hereditary, Heritage.]
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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.
I am my father's heir and only son.
--Shak. -
One who receives any endowment from an ancestor or relation; as, the heir of one's reputation or virtues.
And I his heir in misery alone.
--Pope.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.
Usage examples of "heir at law".
For about the fifth time he then proposed the Heir at Law, doubting only whether to prefer Lord Duberley or Dr.
But because Griffin can't take under that will, the property will be returned to the estate, and Eva Belter will take, not under the will, but as a wife, being the sole surviving heir at law.
As Perenor's heir at law, everything they had built together was hers.