legitimacy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun lawfulness by virtue of being authorized or in accordance with law
  2. noun undisputed credibility
    genuineness; authenticity.

WordNet

Le*git"i*ma*cy noun
Etymology
See Legitimate, a.
Definitions
  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. Macaulay.

Webster 1913