legitimize, v.
(lɪˈdʒɪtɪmaɪz)
[f. L. lēgitimus (see legitime a.) + -ize.]
= legitimatize.
| 1848 W. K. Kelly tr. L. Blanc's Hist. Ten Y. II. 148 The French laws oblige me to do so in order to legitimise my child. 1859 G. Meredith R. Feverel xl, He seemed to be legitimizing his presence. 1892 A. B. Bruce Apologetics iii. x. 495 Such a comparison..is not indispensable to legitimise the Christian's exclusive homage to Jesus. |
Hence leˌgitimiˈzation, the action of legitimizing.
| 1860 Froude Hist. Eng. VI. 113 Had Elizabeth's prospects been liable to be affected by the legitimization of her sister, the queen would [etc.]. 1886 in Antiquary Feb. 70/2 In consideration of..25,000 crowns..his Holiness is willing to grant the act of legitimization. |