[ad. F. légitimisme, f. légitime: see next and -ISM.] In French or Spanish politics: Adherence to the claim of the so-called ‘legitimate pretender to the throne.’
1877. Chr. World, 12 Oct., 1/4. The patrons of Napoleonism and Legitimism.
1883. Maine, Early Law & Custom, v. 143. The theory of sovereignty and government called Legitimism, which is still a factor in French and Spanish politics, is ultimately based on the assumption of a sort of sacred and indefeasible law regulating succession to the Crown, and placing it beyond competition and above popular sanction.
