"Illegitimate" was always a legal term to denote that the child, being extra marital, would not inherit by the default operation of law. It was primarily a concern of aristocracies who would have to ensure their political marriages would carry succession rights. In itself it is not meant to be an offensive term. I can't say the same is true for "bastard."
"Illegitimate" was always a legal term to denote that the child, being extra marital, would not inherit by the default operation of law. It was primarily a concern of aristocracies who would have to ensure their political marriages would carry succession rights. In itself it is not meant to be an offensive term. I can't say the same is true for "bastard."
Theory and practice sometime part ways, as I think world history shows that those aristocracies did produces a few bastard monarchs. Yet, I can't point to a good example right now. Good comment, though.
"Illegitimate" was always a legal term to denote that the child, being extra marital, would not inherit by the default operation of law. It was primarily a concern of aristocracies who would have to ensure their political marriages would carry succession rights. In itself it is not meant to be an offensive term. I can't say the same is true for "bastard."
Theory and practice sometime part ways, as I think world history shows that those aristocracies did produces a few bastard monarchs. Yet, I can't point to a good example right now. Good comment, though.
Yes. And the term applied primarily to intestate inheritance. Exceptions and developments did indeed take place.