1. makes lawful or acceptable; justifies
Usage: third person singular present

1. children born to married parents
Usage: plural form; formal

Examples

• The new law legitimates the use of medical marijuana.
• His success legitimates his unconventional methods.
• The court legitimates the adoption process.
• The constitution legitimates the government’s authority.
• Historical records show the legitimates inherited the estate.
• The family tree distinguished between legitimates and others.