Lineage societies have a vocabulary of their own. If you’re in the process of applying, knowing what the terms mean can make your life much easier!
Here are a few common terms:
- Lineage Society: Also called a hereditary society, this is an organization that decides membership based on the actions of an applicant’s ancestor.
- Qualifying ancestor: An ancestor who meets the qualifications set out by the society.
- Patriot: A qualifying ancestor for a Revolutionary War lineage society, typically the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution.
- “The line”: The line between the applicant and the qualifying ancestor.
- “Line carrier” or “Line bearer”: The person through whom the line runs. If the qualifying ancestor is on your mother’s side, your mother would be the “line carrier.”
- Papers: A term sometimes used for the application.
- Chart: A term sometimes used for the application.
- Supporting documentation: The sources used to document the line. Also called proof.
- The application packet: A completed application with supporting documentation.
- To prove the line: “Proving the line” means establishing the relationship between the applicant and the ancestor using the standards of the society.
- Marking the application: Adding red underlining and generation numbers as requested by the society.
Have you heard a different term? Would you like help with a definition?