adverb
- In a manner relating to or determined by descent through the male line; according to patrilineal inheritance or kinship rules.
Usage: anthropology; formal
Examples
- In many traditional societies, property is passed patrilineally from father to son.
- The family name is transmitted patrilineally through generations.
- Some cultures organize their social structure patrilineally, tracing ancestry exclusively through male relatives.
- Inheritance rights were determined patrilineally in ancient Roman law.
- The clan system operated patrilineally, with leadership passing to the eldest male heir.