pretendant
/prɪˈtɛnd(ə)nt/Now rare
adjective
That claims to be somebody or something; having or putting forth a claim; of or relating to a claimant.
noun
A claimant, especially to a throne or other office or honour; specifically a fraudulent claimant; a mere pretender (rare ).
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in William Allen (1532–1594), cardinal. As adjective from Middle French, French prétendant, present participle of prétendre. As noun from Middle French, French prétendant person who claims something, who aspires to something, man who seeks a woman's hand in marriage, claimant to a throne, use as noun of present participle of prétendre.