I’ve heard it in at least one other context: to mean “inheritor” or anointed successor. Here is a quote from Gore Vidal: ‘I have been asked whether I wish to n

I’ve heard it in at least one other context: to mean “inheritor” or anointed successor. Here is a quote from Gore Vidal: ‘I have been asked whether I wish to nominate a successor, an inheritor, a dauphin or delfino. I have decided to name Christopher Hitchens.' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/9443914/How-Christopher-Hitchens-fell-out-with-Gore-Vidal.html https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/9443914/How-Christ... I’ve seen other examples in this style. Maybe folks in comments can point out more.