The term "bastard" historically refers to a child born outside of marriage, making them illegitimate in the eyes of society and law. This designation often carried social stigma, affecting the child's rights and status, particularly in matters of inheritance and family recognition. In modern contexts, the term is less commonly used in legal terms, as many societies have shifted towards more inclusive definitions of family. Today, children born to unmarried parents are often recognized equally, and the focus is on the child's well-being rather than their legitimacy, reflecting changing attitudes towards family structures and relationships.