(Latin)By roots or by shoots, as of a tree; a form of distribution of an estate in which each recipient takes a share according to the proportion that would have fallen to his or her deceased ancestor; the opposite of per capita. E.g., Grandmother has three daughters, A, B, and C. A is still alive but B and C are dead. A has one child, B has one child, and C has four children. If Grandmother dies and leaves $300,000, under a per stirpes arrangement, A will inherit $100,000 and her child will ...