1. not in a direct line of descent; not hereditary
Usage: formal; legal

Examples

• The estate passed to a nonlineal heir after no direct descendants could be found.
• Nonlineal relatives include cousins, aunts, and uncles.
• The inheritance law distinguishes between lineal and nonlineal beneficiaries.
• Her nonlineal connection to the family made her claim to the property questionable.
• The will specified that nonlineal heirs would receive smaller portions.
• Courts often treat nonlineal descendants differently in probate cases.