Bastardy (noun)

1. The state or condition of being born to unmarried parents.
2. An illegitimate child.

Origin:

From the old french word 'bastard' meaning 'illegitimate child'.

Examples:

1. The issue of bastardy was a cause for shame in many societies throughout history.
2. The man was determined to prove his bastardy, despite the fact that his parents were never married.
3. The laws regarding bastardy were often harsh and unjust, punishing the children for the actions of their parents.
4. The stigma of bastardy was difficult for many children to overcome, even into adulthood.
5. The issue of bastardy was particularly prevalent in the medieval period, when divorce was not an option for most people.