Lin"e*al (?), a. [L. linealis belonging to a line, fr. linea line: cf. F. lin'eal. See 3d Line.]
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.
2.
Inheriting by direct descent; having the right by direct descent to succeed (to).
For only you are lineal to the throne.
Dryden.
3.
Composed of lines; delineated; as, lineal designs.
4.
In the direction of a line; of a line; of or pertaining to a line; measured on, or ascertained by, a line; linear; as, lineal magnitude.
Lineal measure, the measure of length; -- usually written linear measure.
© Webster 1913.