illegitimate child

The term 'enfant illégitime' in French refers to a child born to parents who are not legally married to each other. Historically, this term carried a social stigma, and such children were often viewed as having less legitimacy compared to those born within marriage. In modern usage, the term is less focused on social judgments and more on the legal status of birth. It is important to note that in contemporary discussions, terms that carry stigma are being replaced by more neutral language.