(m., not generally used in plural); lineage, distinguished birth, pedigree; as in, “The new rebbe hired by the Yeshiva had outstanding “yichus;” for he was a direct descendant of the Chofetz Chaim.
“Yichus” is also at the center of a controversy today, in a time when many people are returning to the study and practice of Judaism after a lapse of several generations, such that they may have reached great spiritual heights themselves, but lack “yichus,” or “pedigree;” regarding the significance it should bear in evaluating the merit of a potential matrimonial candidate.