legitime

noun

le·​git·​i·​me
lə-ˈji-tə-mē
in the civil law of Louisiana : the portion (as one-fourth) of a testate succession that is reserved for a forced heir

called also forced portion

compare disposable portion, falcidian portion, marital portion

Note: The fraction used to calculate the legitime will vary depending on the number of forced heirs.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin legitima (pars) the lawful (share)

Dictionary Entries Near legitime

Cite this Entry

“Legitime.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/legitime. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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