Legal Definitions - adneptis

adneptis refers to a female descendant who is four generations removed from a common ancestor. Specifically, she is the daughter of a great-granddaughter, or the granddaughter of a granddaughter, or the great-granddaughter of a daughter. In simpler terms, she is a great-great-granddaughter. This term is primarily found in historical legal contexts, particularly in systems dealing with lineage, inheritance, and succession.

• Example 1: Historical Inheritance

  Imagine a will from ancient Rome, written in the 3rd century CE, where a wealthy landowner, Marcus, stipulated that if his direct children and grandchildren were no longer living, a specific portion of his estate should pass to his "adneptis."

  Explanation: In this scenario, the "adneptis" would be Marcus's great-great-granddaughter. If his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had all passed away, the inheritance would then fall to the female descendant who was four generations removed from Marcus, fulfilling the condition for his great-great-granddaughter to inherit.

• Example 2: Genealogical Records

  A medieval European noble family maintained meticulous genealogical records to establish claims to titles and lands. A particular entry in their family chronicle might describe Lady Eleanor as the "adneptis" of the family's founder, Lord Richard, who lived two centuries prior.

  Explanation: Here, Lady Eleanor is identified as Lord Richard's great-great-granddaughter. This designation clarifies her exact position within the extensive family tree, indicating she is the female descendant four generations down from the original patriarch, which could be crucial for understanding her potential claims or status within the lineage.

• Example 3: Succession Dispute

  In a historical legal dispute over a royal succession in a fictional kingdom, one claimant, Princess Isabella, presented evidence that she was the "adneptis" of the last undisputed monarch, King Theron, through his youngest daughter's line.

  Explanation: Princess Isabella's claim rests on her being King Theron's great-great-granddaughter. By proving this direct lineage four generations removed from the monarch, she would establish her hereditary right to the throne, demonstrating her position as a legitimate female descendant in the line of succession.