Legal Definitions - profectitius

The term profectitius refers to property, rights, or assets that have been inherited or passed down directly from an ancestor, such as a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. It specifically denotes something that originated with an ancestor and has subsequently descended through the family line.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: The Ancestral Farm

  Imagine a large agricultural estate that has been owned by the Miller family for over 150 years. The land was originally purchased by the great-great-grandfather, and upon his death, it passed to his son, then to his grandson, and so on, until it is now owned by the current generation. This farm, having continuously descended through the direct family line from an ancestor, would be considered profectitius property.

• Example 2: A Family Heirloom Watch

  Consider a unique, antique pocket watch that was custom-made for a prominent family patriarch in the 19th century. This watch has since been passed down through wills and personal bequests, always going to the eldest child in each generation. The watch, as an item that originated with an ancestor and has been kept within the direct lineage, is an example of profectitius property.

• Example 3: Inherited Mineral Rights

  Suppose a family's ancestors, several generations ago, owned a large tract of land and, before selling the surface rights, retained the mineral rights beneath it. These mineral rights have since been passed down through the family, providing royalties to each succeeding generation. These specific mineral rights, originating with an ancestor and descending through the family, would be classified as profectitius.