\Lin"e*al\ (l[i^]n"[-e]*al), a. [L. linealis belonging to
a line, fr. linea line: cf. F. lin['e]al. See 3d {Line}.]
1. Descending in a direct line from an ancestor; hereditary;
   derived from ancestors; -- opposed to {collateral}; as, a
   lineal descent or a lineal descendant.

         The prime and ancient right of lineal succession.
                                               --Locke.

2. Inheriting by direct descent; having the right by direct
   descent to succeed (to).

         For only you are lineal to the throne. --Dryden.

3. Composed of lines; delineated; as, lineal designs.

4. In the direction of a line; of or pertaining to a line;
   measured on, or ascertained by, a line; linear; as, lineal
   magnitude.

{Lineal measure}, the measure of length; -- usually written
   {linear measure}.