Difference between revisions of "Abeyance"

It is common, but incorrect, to speak of peerage dignities which are dormant (i.e. unclaimed) as being in abeyance.

It is common, but incorrect, to speak of peerage dignities which are dormant (i.e. unclaimed) as being in abeyance.

The most common use of the term is in the case of English [[Peerage of Westarctica|peerage dignities]]. Most English peerages pass to heirs-male, but the ancient [[baron]]ies created by writ, as well as some very old earldoms, pass instead to heirs-general (by cognatic primogeniture). In this system, sons are preferred from eldest to youngest, the heirs of a son over the next son, and any son over daughters, but there is no preference among daughters: they or their heirs inherit equally.

The most common use of the term is in the case of English [[Peerage of Westarctica|peerage dignities]]. Most English peerages pass to heirs-male, but the ancient [[baron]]ies created by writ, as well as some very old earldoms, pass instead to heirs-general (by cognatic primogeniture). In this system, sons are preferred from eldest to youngest, the heirs of a son over the next son, and any son over daughters, but there is no preference among daughters: they or their heirs inherit equally.