Stirps
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
descents, the root, stem, or stock of a tree. Figuratively it signifies, in law, that person from whom a family is descended, and also the kindred or family. It is chiefly used in estimating the several interests of the different kindred, in the distribution of an intestate’s estate. 2 Bl. Com. 517; and vide Descent; Line.