Linea recta

The direct line; the vertical line. In computing degrees of kindred and the succession to estates, this term denotes the direct line of ascendants and descendants. Where a person springs from another immediately, or mediately through a third person, they are said to be in the direct line, (tinea recta,) and are called “ascendants” und “descendants.” Maekeld. Rem. Law, § 129, Tinea recta est index sui et obliqui; lex est linea recti. Co. Litt. 158. <A right line is a test of itself, and of an oblique; law is a line of right. Linca recta semper prefertur transversali, The right line is always preferred to the collateral. Co. Litt. 10; Broom, Max. 529.