heir presumptive
 假定繼承人


 Pre·sump·tive a.
 1. Based on presumption or probability; grounded on probable evidence; probable; as, presumptive proof.
 2. Presumptuous; arrogant. [R.]
 Presumptive evidence Law, that which is derived from circumstances which necessarily or usually attend a fact, as distinct from direct evidence or positive proof; indirect or circumstantial evidence. “Presumptive evidence of felony should be cautiously admitted.” --Blackstone. The distinction, however, between direct and presumptive (or circumstantial) evidence is now generally abandoned; all evidence being now more or less direct and more or less presumptive.
 Presumptive heir. See Heir presumptive, under Heir.

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 Heir n.
 1. One who inherits, or is entitled to succeed to the possession of, any property after the death of its owner; one on whom the law bestows the title or property of another at the death of the latter.
    I am my father's heir and only son.   --Shak.
 2. One who receives any endowment from an ancestor or relation; as, the heir of one's reputation or virtues.
    And I his heir in misery alone.   --Pope.
 Heir apparent. Law. See under Apparent.
 Heir at law, one who, after his ancector's death, has a right to inherit all his intestate estate. --Wharton (Law Dict.).
 Heir presumptive, one who, if the ancestor should die immediately, would be his heir, but whose right to the inheritance may be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative, or by some other contingency.


 heir presumptive
      n : a person who expects to inherit but whose right can be
          defeated by the birth of a nearer relative [ant: {heir
          apparent]