GENEALOGY, an enumeration of a series of ancestors; or a summary account of the relations and alliances of a person or family, both in the direct and collateral line.
The word is Greek, γένεσις; which is formed of γένε, "race or lineage," and λογία, "discourse."
In divers chapters and military orders, it is required that the candidates produce their genealogy, to show that they are noble by so many descents.