Bastardy meaning

Bastardy is the illegitimacy of a child born out of wedlock.


Bastardy definitions

Word backwards ydratsab
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "bastardy" is a noun.
Syllabic division bas-tard-y
Plural The plural of the word bastardy is bastardies.
Total letters 8
Vogais (1) a
Consonants (6) b,s,t,r,d,y

Bastardy is a term used historically to describe children born out of wedlock, meaning parents were not married at the time of the child's birth. This concept dates back centuries and has carried various levels of stigma and legal implications throughout different cultures and time periods.

Legal Implications

In many societies, bastardy had legal consequences for both the child and the parents. Children born out of wedlock were often considered illegitimate and could face social discrimination. In some cases, they were not entitled to inherit property or titles. Laws surrounding bastardy aimed to regulate family structures and maintain social order.

Social Stigma

Being labeled a bastard or having a child out of wedlock often carried a significant social stigma. In many societies, legitimacy was closely tied to social status and reputation. Bastardy could bring shame upon families and individuals, leading to ostracism or discrimination within communities.

Evolution of Attitudes

As societal norms have evolved, the stigma associated with bastardy has lessened in many cultures. Modern legal systems typically do not penalize children for their parents' marital status, emphasizing the rights of the child above all else. While attitudes towards bastardy have shifted, the legacy of past legal and social structures can still impact individuals today.

It is essential to recognize the historical context of the term bastardy and understand how societal attitudes have changed over time. While the concept may no longer carry the same legal and social weight it once did, acknowledging its impact can help us better understand the complexities of family, law, and social norms.


Bastardy Examples

  1. The child's bastardy was a constant source of gossip in the small town.
  2. He was accused of spreading lies about his colleague's bastardy to tarnish his reputation.
  3. The novel delves into themes of illegitimacy and bastardy in 18th-century England.
  4. Despite his father's bastardy, he was determined to prove himself and make a name for himself.
  5. The historical record revealed a long history of bastardy in the royal family.
  6. She was ashamed of the circumstances of her birth and the stigma of bastardy that followed her throughout her life.
  7. The court case revolved around the dispute over the legitimacy or bastardy of the claimant.
  8. His father's bastardy was a closely guarded secret that he only learned about later in life.
  9. The character in the story struggled with the social constraints of bastardy in a strict Victorian society.
  10. The issue of bastardy was a central theme in Shakespeare's play, affecting the fate of several characters.


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  • Updated 07/04/2024 - 15:29:53