What is the collateral line?

[newbie]

Can anyone advise me - in some articles I have read references to "the collateral line" what is it?
Thanks Pauline.

[suey]

I think it means tracing decendants of your ancestors - eg..

Say your GGrandpa had a brother - if you chose to trace his family that would be the collateral line.. the benefit comes when you find someone who is researching the same family but a different line.

Someone will no doubt correct me if i'm wrong
Suey

[Boongie Pam]

Collateral means parallel.  I would therefore think the same as Suey.

A very good method if you lose someone from a census - I've found my directs staying with their kids all over the show!

[newbie]

Thanks for solving the problem.
Pauline.