hereditary

What it means

1. Passed on as an inheritance, by last will or intestate.
2. Of a title, honor or right: legally granted to somebody's descendant after that person's death.

   Duke is a hereditary title which was created in Norman times.

   Synonyms: lineal

3. Of a person: holding a legally hereditary title or rank.

   hereditary rulers

In a sentence

Duke is a hereditary title which was created in Norman times.

Where it comes from

1. Latinhērēditārius
2. Middle Englishhereditarie
3. Englishhereditary

Inherited from Middle English hereditarie, from Latin hērēditārius, from hērēditās (“inheritance”), from hērēs (“heir”).