a. [ L. linealis belonging to a line, fr. linea line: cf. F. linéal. See 3d Line. ] 1. Descending in a direct line from an ancestor; hereditary; derived from ancestors; -- opposed to collateral; as, a lineal descent or a lineal descendant. [ 1913 Webster ] The prime and ancient right of lineal succession. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Inheriting by direct descent; having the right by direct descent to succeed (to). [ 1913 Webster ] For only you are lineal to the throne. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Composed of lines; delineated; as, lineal designs. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. In the direction of a line; of or pertaining to a line; measured on, or ascertained by, a line; linear; as, lineal magnitude. [ 1913 Webster ]
Lineal measure, the measure of length; -- usually written linear measure. [ 1913 Webster ]
| 