Le*git"i*ma*cy (?), n. [See Legitimate, a.]
The state, or quality, of being legitimate, or in conformity with law; hence, the condition of having been lawfully begotten, or born in wedlock.
The doctrine of Divine Right, which has now come back to us, like a thief from transportation, under the alias of Legitimacy.
Macaulay.
© Webster 1913.