Primogeniture

The state of being first born; the eldest. Formerly primogeniture gave a title in cases of descent to the oldest son in preference to the other children. This unjust distinction has been generally abolished in the United States. PRIMOGENITUS ( Lat. from primo, first, and genitus, born or begotten).

In old English law

A first born or eldest son. Bracton, fol.

33; 1 Ves. Sr. 290. And see 3 Maule & S. 25; 8 Taunt. 468; 3 Vern. 660.

PRIMUM DECRETUM (Lat.) In the courts of admiralty, this name is given to a provisional decree. Bac. Abr. "Court of Admiralty" (E). son of a king or emperor, or the issue of a royal family; as, princes of the blood. The chief of any body of men. By a clause inserted in policies of insurance, the insurer is liable for all losses occasioned by "arrest or detainment of all kings, princes, and people, of what nation, condition, or quality soever."

1 Bouv. Inst, note 1218.

PRINCEPS (Lat.) In the civil law. The prince; the emperor. Quod principi plaeuit, legis habet vigorem, the emperor's pleasure has the force of law.

Inst. 1. 2. 6.

PRINCEPS ET RESPUBLICA EX JUSTA causa possunt rem meam auferre. The king and the commonwealth, for a just cause, can take away my property.

12 Coke, 13.