maiorat

Maiorat is a traditional aristocratic privilege in some German and Swiss states. It is a custom that allowed the eldest son of a noble family to inherit the majority of the family's wealth and property upon the death of the patriarch.

The term "maiorat" is derived from the Latin "major," meaning "greater" or "larger." In the context of the custom, it specifically referred to the eldest son inheriting the larger share of the family's estate, regardless of whether he was the only son or one of many. This was often tied to the Catholic tradition of the older son receiving the majority of the inheritance, as stated in the Salic law.

The practice of maiorat was particularly prevalent in the Holy Roman Empire and other German-speaking states, where it was seen as a way to ensure the continuation of noble families and their estates. It was also a means of securing the family's social status and influence. In many cases, the mother's property was also subject to the custom, with the eldest son inheriting the majority of her estate as well.

Maiorat was not always a straightforward process, and conflicts often arose over the distribution of inheritances. The custom has since largely been abolished in many European countries, including Germany and Switzerland. However, it remains an important part of historical and social context, providing insight into the social structures and aristocratic traditions of European states in the past.