filiation noun. [fɪlɪ'eɪʃ(ǝ)n] LME.
[Old & mod. French from eccl. & medieval Latin filiatio(n-) relationship as a child, (esp.) sonship, from Latin filius son, filia daughter: see -ATION.]
1. The relationship (as) of a child (esp. a son) to his or her father; spec. in Theology, the relationship (as) of a son to God; adoption (as a son) by God. LME.

2. = AFFILIATION 3. M16.

3. Descent or derivation from; the genealogical relation of one language, area of study, etc., to another. L18.
■ H. Kurath The relationships between the Indo-European dialects and their filiation in prehistoric times.

4. Formation of branches or offshoots; a branch or offshoot of a society or language. L18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲