Legal Definitions - cater cousin

A cater cousin refers to a distant relative, someone with whom one shares a familial connection but who is not closely related or frequently encountered.

• Example 1: During a large family reunion, Sarah introduced her great-aunt Mildred to a man named Arthur, explaining, "Arthur is a cater cousin; his grandmother was a second cousin to our grandfather, so we're related, but quite distantly."

  Explanation: This illustrates a cater cousin as a relative whose connection is known but not close, often requiring an explanation of the specific lineage to clarify the relationship.

• Example 2: When researching her family tree, Maria discovered a branch of her ancestors who had emigrated to a different continent centuries ago. She found a living descendant, John, and although they shared a common ancestor from the 17th century, they were considered cater cousins due to the vast generational and geographical distance.

  Explanation: This example highlights how a cater cousin can be someone discovered through historical or genealogical research, where the relationship is undeniably familial but very remote.

• Example 3: In a small, close-knit community, it was common for residents to discover they were cater cousins, meaning their families had intermarried generations ago, creating a web of distant relations that weren't immediate family but still acknowledged within the community's social fabric.

  Explanation: This shows the term in a social context, where a distant familial link is recognized and understood within a community, even if the individuals don't have a close personal relationship.