noun

1. a descending; coming down or going down
2. lineage; ancestry
3. one generation (in a specified lineage)
4. a downward slope
5. a way down or downward
6. a sudden attack, raid, or invasion (on or upon)
7. a decline; fall
8. a stooping (to an act)
9. Law transference (of property) to heirs or offspring by inheritance

Etymology: ME descent < OFr descente < descendre: see descend