1. adherence to or support for legitimate authority, especially the principle that political power should derive from established legal or traditional sources
Usage: political theory
2. support for a legitimate dynasty or ruler, especially in opposition to a usurper
Usage: historical

Examples

• The scholar wrote extensively about legitimism in 18th-century political thought.
• French legitimism supported the Bourbon restoration after Napoleon’s defeat.
• His legitimism led him to oppose any government that came to power through revolution.
• The movement’s legitimism was based on traditional succession laws.
• Legitimism became a rallying cry for those who rejected the new republic.
• The debate centered on legitimism versus popular sovereignty as sources of political authority.