legitimisms

/ləˈdʒɪtɪmɪzəmz/
noun
  1. Beliefs or principles that support the idea that a ruler or government has the right to rule based on law or tradition.
    • The historian studied the legitimisms that upheld the monarchy for centuries.
    • Many political debates in the 19th century centered on legitimisms versus revolutionary ideas.
    • The king's speech was full of legitimisms, reminding everyone of his family's long reign.
  2. Statements or arguments that try to make something seem acceptable or correct, especially when it is not.
    • The company's press release was full of legitimisms to justify the price increase.
    • Politicians often use legitimisms to make unpopular policies sound reasonable.
    • She saw through his legitimisms and knew he was just making excuses.