Definitions:

1. A principle found in many patriarchal societies and legal systems, emphasizing the importance of male lineage in the transmission of titles, properties, and rights. ADJECTIVE
   • In many monarchies, the throne was passed down through agnatic succession, meaning only males in the king's direct male line could inherit the crown.
2. Refers to a system of kinship or descent that traces lineage exclusively through the male line. ADJECTIVE
   • Her genealogical research focused on tracing the family's agnatic lineage, documenting each male descendant to construct a comprehensive family tree.

Synonyms:

• father's line
• male-line
• paternal
• patrilineal