noun
- a supporter of legitimate authority, especially of a claim to a throne based on direct descent.
adjective
- Also le·git·i·mis·tic. of, relating to, or supporting legitimate authority.
noun
- a monarchist who supports the rule of a legitimate dynasty or of its senior branch
- (formerly) a supporter of the elder line of the Bourbon family in France
- a supporter of legitimate authority
adjective Also: legitimistic
- of or relating to legitimists
n.1877, from French légitimisme; see legitimate (adj.) + -ism. n.1841, from French légitimiste, from légitime (see legitimate).