Legal Definitions - agnatic

Term: Agnatic
Definition: Agnatic refers to a relationship that is limited to connections through the male line. This means that only family members who are related through the father's side are considered part of the agnatic group. For example, in some cultures, inheritance and succession are determined by agnatic descent, meaning that only male heirs can inherit property or titles. Another example is the practice of using a surname that is passed down through the male line, such as "Johnson" or "Smithson." These examples show how agnatic relationships are based on male lineage and exclude connections through the mother's side or other relatives.