legitimate

/li-ˈji-tə-mət/

Middle English legitimat, from Medieval Latin legitimatus, past participle of legitimare to legitimate, from Latin legitimus legitimate, from leg-, lex law

adjective

  1. lawfully begotten; specifically : born in wedlock

  2. having full filial rights and obligations by birth

  3. being exactly as intended or presented : neither spurious nor false; also : being an actual example of something specified

a legitimate child

lawful legal legitimate licit mean being in accordance with law. lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

verb

  1. to make (someone or something) legitimate :

  2. to give legal status or authorization to

  3. to show or affirm to be justified