Legitimacy /(-ĭ*mȧ*sy̆)/

Le·git·i·ma·cy

Legitimacy

n.
  1. The state, or quality, of being legitimate, or in conformity with law; hence, the condition of having been lawfully begotten, or born in wedlock.
    The doctrine of Divine Right, which has now come back to us, like a thief from transportation, under the alias of Legitimacy.