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Simple English definitions for legal terms
praecipuum
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A quick definition of praecipuum:
Term: praecipuum
Definition: In the past, when someone died, their property was divided among their heirs. However, there was usually one part of the property that was given to one person, usually the oldest child, and they didn't have to share it with anyone else. This part was called the praecipuum.
A more thorough explanation:
praecipuum
In the past, when someone died and left an estate, the praecipuum was the part of the estate that one person, usually the oldest heir, received without having to share it with anyone else. This part of the estate was not subject to the rules of division.
When the wealthy landowner died, his eldest son inherited the praecipuum, which included the family home and the majority of the land.
After the death of the king, the praecipuum was given to his eldest daughter, who became the new queen and ruler of the kingdom.
These examples show how the praecipuum was a special part of an estate that was given to one person, usually the eldest heir, to the exclusion of all others. It was a way to ensure that one person had a significant portion of the estate without having to share it with siblings or other relatives.