paternity
    n 1: the state of being a father; "tests were conducted to
         determine paternity"
    2: the kinship relation between an offspring and the father
       [syn: fatherhood, paternity]
    3: the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing; "the
       authorship of the theory is disputed" [syn: authorship,
       paternity]

Paternity \Pa*ter"ni*ty\, n. [L. paternitas: cf. F.
   paternit['e]. See Paternal.]
   1. The relation of a father to his child; fathership;
      fatherhood; family headship; as, the divine paternity.
      [1913 Webster]

            The world, while it had scarcity of people,
            underwent no other dominion than paternity and
            eldership.                            --Sir W.
                                                  Raleigh.
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   2. Derivation or descent from a father; male parentage; as,
      the paternity of a child.
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   3. Origin; authorship.
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            The paternity of these novels was . . . disputed.
                                                  --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.
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PATERNITY, The state or condition of a father. 
     2. The husband is prima facie presumed to be the father of his wife's 
children, born during coverture, or within a competent time afterwards pater 
is est quem nuptim demonstrant. 7 N. S. 553. But this presumption may be 
rebutted by showing circumstances which render it impossible that the 
husband can be the father. 6 Binn. 283; 1 Browne's R. Appx. xlvii.; Hardin's 
R. 479; 8 East, R. 193; Stra. 51, 940. 4 T. R; 356;. 2 M. & K. 349; 3 
Paige's R. 139; I Sim. & Stu. 150; Turn. & Russ. 138; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 302, 
et seq. 
     3. The declarations of both or one of the spouses, however, cannot 
affect the condition of a child born during the marriage. 7 N. S. 553; 3 
Paige's R. 139. Vide Bastard;. Bastardy;, Legitimacy; Maternity; Pregnancy.