嫡
legitimate; direct; close
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesadjective
legitimate (lineage); direct (in patrilineal system)
formalUsed exclusively in traditional Chinese patriarchal lineage systems to refer to the main line descended from the primary wife, opposed to the collateral lines from concubines.
In ancient imperial China, only legitimate imperial sons were qualified to inherit the throne.
He is the legitimate eldest son of the family and inherited all the family property.
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Ancient noble families strictly distinguished between legitimate and illegitimate children.
The direct bloodline of this family has continued for more than twenty generations.
The distinction between legitimate and collateral lineages was one of the core contents of ancient Chinese patriarchal clan system.
adjective
close in blood; direct lineage
formalUsed to describe relatives who share a recent common ancestor, especially within the direct paternal line.
His close paternal aunt has lived in the US for many years.
My direct paternal cousins and I often celebrate the Spring Festival together.
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The bond between full siblings is usually stronger than that between distant relatives.
He and I are maternal cousins; our mothers are biological sisters.
Only direct elder relatives had voting rights at the family meeting.
adjective
authentic; orthodox; traditional
neutralUsed metaphorically to describe something that follows the original, approved tradition or source, no longer limited to clan lineage.
This century-old pastry shop uses an authentic imperial court recipe passed down directly.
He is the orthodox successor of this artistic school.
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This authentic tea-making craft has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage.
Many people think this restaurant serves authentic Sichuan cuisine in the orthodox style.
He insists on using the traditional orthodox method to restore ancient paintings.