pretendant

A pretendant is a person who claims a title, position, or right, especially that of a sovereign, to which they believe they are entitled. The term often implies a challenge to the legitimacy of the current holder of that position. Pretendants typically emerge during periods of succession disputes, political instability, or when a previously established line of succession is interrupted.

Historically, pretendants have played significant roles in dynastic struggles and civil wars. They might base their claims on lineage, inheritance, popular support, or even divine right. The success of a pretendant often depends on military strength, political maneuvering, and the perception of legitimacy among the populace.

The concept of a pretendant is not limited to royalty. It can also apply to individuals claiming other positions of authority or even intangible rights. However, the term is most commonly associated with royal or monarchical claims, particularly in contexts where there is an established, but disputed, lineage. The existence of a pretendant can be a source of ongoing conflict and can shape the political landscape for generations.