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(of a child or marriage) not acknowledged by the law
- In earlier times, an illegitimate child often had fewer rights than a legitimate one.
- The couple's illegitimate marriage was not recognized by the state.
- The illegitimate child was excluded from the inheritance.
- Many societies once treated illegitimate children as inferior to those born within marriage.
- The king's illegitimate son was denied the throne despite his claims.
Antonyms: