parentage

The identity and nature of one's parents, and in particular, the legitimacy of one's birth.

I am a Lord, for so my deedes ſhall prooue, And yet a ſhepheard by my Parentage: […]

English gentlemen, after all, do not discriminate against each other on the grounds of parentage, only of breeding.

The social quality of one's class in society.

My fortunes parentage — good parentage — To equal mine! — was it not thus? What say you?

Mr. Worthington. Second son. We shall find better. He is of dubious parentage.

Origin; derivation.