eigne

alternative eigné · alternative eisne

1. not comparableobsoletelawEldest; firstborn. Only used in bastard eigne.

   1 more example

   Because the canon law (following the civil) did allow such bastard eignè to be legitimate, on the subsequent marriage of his mother: and therefore the laws of England (though they would not admit either the civil or canon law to rule the inheritance of this kingdom, yet) paid such a regard to a person thus peculiarly circumstanced, that, after the land had descended to his issue, they would not unravel the matter again, and suffer his estate to be shaken.

   1771, William, Sir Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England, volume 2, page 248

2. not comparableobsoleterarelawOf superior or prior rank.

   eigne title, eigne incumbrance

   Antonyms: puisne