v. [f. L. lēgitimus (see LEGITIME a.) + -IZE.] = LEGITIMATIZE.
1848. W. H. Kelly, trans. 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 Legitimization, 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.
