The phrase "trace descent" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of determining someone's lineage or family history. For example, "They are attempting to trace descent from their ancestor who emigrated to the United States during the 19th century."
The Mbembe trace descent through both matrilineal and patrilineal lines.
They trace descent patrilineally and divide themselves into three classes: landlords, farmers, and watchmen.
Many avunculate cultures trace descent through the female line, a practice known as matrilineality, although some trace descent through the male line (patrilineality) or through both lines (bilateral descent).
Each tribe, consisting of kinsmen who trace descent in the male bloodline from a common tribal ancestor, is divided into clans, subclans, and patriarchal families.
Why such topics trace descent through a branch more closely with violent is unclear.
The large royal clan traced descent from the first king and culture hero, Nyikang (Nyikango).
Although Muslim, the Minangkabau are matrilineal, tracing descent and inheritance through the female line.
The descent line in Samoa, for example, consists of a group of people tracing descent in the male line from a common mythical ancestor.
Almost all Melanesian societies are patrilineal, tracing descent through the male line, and even matrilineal societies, where descent is traced through the female line, remain patriarchal i.e., male-dominated.
Clan: "a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor".
As mentioned earlier, all the Peshwa during Shivaji's rule were Deshastha Brahmins and many modern families who have surname, Peshwe, are in fact Deshastha Brahmins tracing descent to Shivaji's Peshwa, Moropant Pingle or Sonopant Dabir.
