Legal Definitions - bastard

Definition: A bastard is a child born to a married woman whose husband is not the father of the child. The word is often used as a slur and is not commonly used in family-law contexts anymore.

For example, if a woman has an affair and becomes pregnant, the child she gives birth to would be considered a bastard if her husband is not the biological father.

In some cases, a child born through artificial insemination may also be considered an adulterine bastard if the husband did not consent to the procedure and is not the biological father. However, if the husband did consent, he is generally considered the legal father of the child.

Overall, the term bastard is considered offensive and should not be used to describe a child or person.