adj.
/
lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
- conforming to the law or to rules.
▸(of a sovereign) having a title based on strict hereditary right.
- (of a child) born of parents lawfully married to each other.
- able to be defended with logic or justification.
v.
/
lɪˈdʒɪtɪmeɪt/
make legitimate.
Derivative
- legitimately adv.
- legitimation n.
- legitimatization
or legitimatisation n. - legitimatize
or legitimatise v.
Etymology
ME: from med. L. legitimatus, legitimare ‘make legal’.