lineal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child
    direct.
    • lineal ancestors
    • lineal heirs
    • a direct descendant of the king
    • direct heredity
  2. adjective satellite arranged in a line

WordNet

Lin"e*al adjective
Etymology
L. linealis belonging to a line, fr. linea line: cf. F. linéal. See 3d Line.
Definitions
  1. Descending in a direct line from an ancestor; hereditary; derived from ancestors; -- opposed to collateral; as, a lineal descent or a lineal descendant.
    The prime and ancient right of lineal succession. Locke.
  2. Inheriting by direct descent; having the right by direct descent to succeed (to).
    For only you are lineal to the throne. Dryden.
  3. Composed of lines; delineated; as, lineal designs.
  4. In the direction of a line; of a line; of or pertaining to a line; measured on, or ascertained by, a line; linear; as, lineal magnitude.

Webster 1913