illegitimacy

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the status of being born to parents who were not married
  2. noun unlawfulness by virtue of not being authorized by or in accordance with law

Etymology

From illegitimate + -cy; may also be analyzed as il- + legitimacy.

In classic literature

Synonyms

bastardy, bar sinister

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