01 a. Descending in a direct line from an ancestor; hereditary; derived from ancestors; -- opposed to collateral; as, a lineal descent or a linea…
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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.
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2.
Inheriting by direct descent; having the right by direct descent to succeed (to).“For only you are lineal to the throne.” — Dryden.
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3.
Composed of lines; delineated; as, lineal designs.
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4.
In the direction of a line; of or pertaining to a line; measured on, or ascertained by, a line; linear; as, lineal magnitude.
Phrases & compounds
Lineal measure —
the measure of length; -- usually written linear measure.