postremogeniture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, they are synonyms. 'Ultimogeniture' (from Latin 'ultimus' meaning 'last') is more commonly used than the rarer 'postremogeniture' (from Latin 'postremus' also meaning 'last').

It was practiced in certain parts of medieval England (e.g., in some manors under 'Borough English'), among some Celtic tribes, and in various cultures worldwide, often where keeping the youngest at home to care for ageing parents was advantageous.

While historically often focused on sons (youngest son), the term can conceptually apply to the youngest child of any gender, depending on the specific cultural or legal system in question. In modern academic use, it is generally defined as inheritance by the youngest child.

Because the system it describes (inheritance by the youngest) was far less common historically than primogeniture (inheritance by the eldest). Primogeniture was fundamental to feudal systems of land tenure and aristocratic succession, making its antonym a much more specialized term.

The principle or practice of inheritance by the youngest child.

Postremogeniture is usually formal, academic, legal, historical in register.

Postremogeniture: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɒs.trɪ.məʊˈdʒɛn.ɪ.tʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpoʊ.stri.moʊˈdʒɛn.ə.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.