APPA'RENT, adjective [See Appear.]

1. That may be seen, or easily seen; visible to the eye; within sight or view.

2. Obvious; plain; evident; indubitable; as, the wisdom of the creator is apparent in his works.

3. Visible, in opposition to hid or secret; as, a man's apparent conduct is good.

4. Visible; appearing to the eye; seeming, in distinction from true or real, as the apparent motion or diameter of the sun.

Heirs apparent are those whose right to an estate is indefeasible, if they survive the ancestor; in distinction from presumptive heirs, who, if the ancestor should die immediately, would inherit, but whose right is liable to be defeated by the birth of their children.