noun
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).
長男が家の跡目を継いだ。
The eldest son succeeded to the headship of the family.
跡目争いで親族がもめた。
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.