Agnation is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it has a specific meaning in the field of anthropology and genealogy. The term refers to the relationship between individuals who are related through male ancestors only. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and associations of agnation.
Definitions
Agnation is defined as the tracing of kinship through male ancestors only. This means that individuals who are related through their fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and so on, are considered to be agnates. The term is often used in the context of inheritance and succession, as well as in the study of family relationships.
Origin
The term agnation comes from the Latin word “agnatio,” which means “relationship through the father.” The concept of tracing kinship through male ancestors has been present in many cultures throughout history, including ancient Rome and medieval Europe. In some societies, agnation was the only recognized form of kinship, and it was used to determine inheritance, succession, and other legal matters.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of agnation is consistent across different dictionaries. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines agnation as “the tracing of descent through male ancestors only.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the tracing of kinship through male ancestors.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the tracing of kinship through the male line.”
Associations
Agnation is often associated with patrilineal societies, where descent and inheritance are traced through the male line. In these societies, women are often excluded from inheritance and succession, and their status is determined by their relationship to their male relatives. Agnation is also associated with the concept of patriarchy, where men hold power and authority in society.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for agnation, including patrilineality, patrilineal descent, and male-line descent. These terms all refer to the same concept of tracing kinship through male ancestors only.
Antonyms
The antonym of agnation is cognation, which refers to the tracing of kinship through both male and female ancestors. Cognation is also known as bilateral descent, and it is the most common form of kinship in modern societies.
The same root words
The root word of agnation is “agnatio,” which comes from the Latin word “agnus,” meaning “lamb.” This root word is also present in other related terms, such as agnomen (a nickname based on a person’s ancestry), agnate (a relative through the male line), and agnatic (relating to the male line of descent).
Example Sentences
- In some societies, agnation was the only recognized form of kinship, and women were excluded from inheritance and succession.
- The study of agnation is important in understanding family relationships and inheritance patterns.
- Agnates are individuals who are related through their male ancestors only.
- Cognation is the opposite of agnation, and it refers to tracing kinship through both male and female ancestors.
- The concept of agnation has been present in many cultures throughout history, including ancient Rome and medieval Europe.