mid-15c., from Middle French légitimation, from Medieval Latin legitimationem (nominative legitimatio), noun of action from past participle stem of legitimare "make lawful, declare to be lawful" (see legitimate (adj.)).
he has filial rights because he obtained letters of legitimation from the king
his parents' subsequent marriage resulted in his legitimation
legislator
legislature
legit
legitimacy
legitimate
legitimation
legitimism
legitimist
legitimize
legless
leg-lock
