Legal Definitions - neptis

Neptis is a historical legal term that refers to a female descendant. Most commonly, it specifically denotes a granddaughter.

• Example 1: Inheritance in a Historical Will

  Imagine a 17th-century will discovered in an old family estate. The will states, "To my beloved neptis, Eleanor, I bequeath my silver locket." Eleanor is the daughter of the testator's son, making her the testator's granddaughter.

  This example illustrates neptis in its most common usage, referring to a granddaughter who is a direct female descendant in the second generation from the testator, receiving a specific inheritance.

• Example 2: Succession in a Medieval Charter

  Consider a medieval charter establishing a noble lineage, which might declare that "the rights and privileges of the barony shall pass to the eldest son, and failing male issue, to the eldest neptis of the current baron." If the baron had no sons, but a great-granddaughter through a deceased daughter, she could potentially inherit.

  Here, neptis is used more broadly to mean a female descendant who could inherit, extending beyond just a granddaughter to include other female relatives in the direct line of descent if specific conditions regarding male heirs were not met.

• Example 3: Roman Family Law Discussions

  In discussions of ancient Roman family law, scholars might analyze the legal status of a neptis within the *familia* (household). For example, a legal commentary might discuss whether a neptis was under the *patria potestas* (paternal power) of her grandfather, even if her own father was still alive, impacting her legal capacity and rights.

  This illustrates how neptis was a specific designation for a granddaughter in historical legal systems, defining her position and rights within the family structure and under the law of the time.