Definition of "line of descent" [line of descent]

• The descendants of one individual (noun)
• The kinship relation between an individual and the individual's progenitors (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "On the evidence given in the secret dossiers, the case for the survival of the dynasty beyond King Dagobert II, not to mention the continuation of a clear line of descent right through to the late twentieth century, is at best fragile and at worst demonstrably fictitious13."
• "At the same time, proof was brought forward that the line of descent of the Sauropsida clearly diverged from that of the Mammalia, both starting from some common ancestry."
• "Wynn Westcott, its direct line of descent went back to the Gold and Rosy Cross, the Strict Templar Observance order from Germany discussed in the last chapter, as did many of its actual grade names and rituals81."