throneworthy

comparative more throneworthy · superlative most throneworthy

1. In the Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman eras, eligible for royal succession by virtue of kinship.

   [Edgar] was given the designation of "Aetheling"—that is, throneworthy—which might indicate that the king considered him a potential successor.

   2012, Tracy Joanne Borman, Queen of the Conqueror: The Life of Matilda, Wife of William I

   1 more example

   Anglo-Saxon kings did not succeed on the basis of primogeniture. All the kings offspring were known as aethelings -- throneworthy -- and from this gene pool the royal family would select the aetheling who seemed best qualified for the job.

   1999, Robert Lacey, Danny Danziger, The Year 1000: What life was like at the turn of The First Millennium, London: Abacus, published 2000, page 165