INHERITANCE; INTESTACY; SUCCESSION, etc.
An Heir apparent is he whose right of inheritance is indefeasible, provided he outlives the ancestor, e.g., an eldest or only son.
Heir general, or heir at law, he who after the death of his ances tor has, by law, the right to the inheritance.
Heir presumptive, one who is next in succession, but whose right is defeasible by the birth of a nearer heir.
Ultimate heir, he to whom lands come by escheat on failure of proper heirs. In Scots law the technical use of the word "heir" is not confined to the succession to real property, but includes succession to personal property as well, and this meaning is usual in many Continental codes which in this respect derive from the Roman law.