family headship; inheritance; succession
Refers to the position, rights, and property passed down to the next head of a family, especially in traditional contexts. Often used in phrases like 跡目を継ぐ (succeed to the headship) or 跡目争い (dispute over succession).
The eldest son succeeded to the headship of the family.
The relatives quarreled over the succession.
Compound of 跡 (あと, 'after', 'trace', 'remains') and 目 (め, 'position', 'lineage'). Literally 'the position left behind', referring to the role or property passed from a predecessor.