Agnates

/ˈæɡneɪts/ noun

Definition

Plural of agnate; multiple relatives connected through paternal lineage.

Etymology

From agnate + -s (plural suffix). The plural form indicating several patrilineal relatives.

Kelly Says

Your agnates share your father's bloodline all the way back—and in societies with strict agnate kinship systems, they were your real family while your mother's relatives were basically outsiders.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of agnate, perpetuating the same patrilineal bias embedded in Roman and Germanic legal systems where property devolved through male relatives.

Inclusive Usage

In formal genealogy, 'agnates' is precise. In general discussion, specify 'patrilineal relatives' or use 'blood relatives' to avoid implying only one kinship system is valid.

Inclusive Alternatives

["blood relatives","patrilineal relatives","paternal kin"]

Empowerment Note

Systems recognizing both agnatic and cognatic (bilateral) kinship or matrilineal descent restore agency erased by male-only inheritance laws.

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