passed down in a single line; transmitted through a single lineage
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to be passed down through only one son for generations
archaicUsed historically to describe a family line that has only one male heir for multiple generations, often seen as crucial for continuing the family name and lineage.
His family has been passed down through only one son for three generations, and they have high hopes for this boy.
The Wang family had only one son for five generations, nearly causing the family line to die out.
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In that era which favored boys over girls, the pressure of having only one male heir was immense.
verb
to be transmitted exclusively from a single master or school
archaicUsed traditionally in the context of arts, crafts, or martial arts, where knowledge or skill is passed down exclusively within one lineage or from one master, without mixing with other traditions.
This set of martial arts is transmitted exclusively through a single lineage, passed only to the head disciple.
Some secret formulas in traditional Chinese medicine are transmitted exclusively within the family and never leaked.
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His master's painting technique was transmitted through a single lineage, resulting in a very unique style.