【Ancestry】 , 【lineage】 and  【pedigree】 mean either one′s progenitors collectively or their quality or character as a whole. The words, however, are clearly distinguishable.

【Ancestry】 in its most restricted use evokes the image of a family tree with its ramification by geometrical progression of branches or roots the further it is traced forward or backward.

• only by the fusion of two parent cells can an offspring cell enjoy the advantages of joint heredity and pass on the traits of both ancestries
  —La Barre

In broader use 【ancestry】 often suggests one′s progenitors in general, known or unknown, a cause of pride often, but sometimes of indifference or of shame.

• no one is responsible for his 【ancestry】 , but his 【ancestry】 is to a certain extent responsible for his qualities

【Lineage】 stresses descent in a line; it evokes therefore the image of a list of the persons who in order of generation are descended from a single ancestor.

• the evangelist Matthew traced the 【lineage】 of Jesus by each step from Abraham down
• 【lineage】 is reckoned through the mother; the Zuni are matrilineal
  —Kardiner

For this reason 【lineage】 is often used as the equivalent of race.

• though of a 【lineage】 once abhorred
  — Wordsworth

【Pedigree】 is even more definite in its suggestions, for it implies a known and recorded 【ancestry】 that is typically distinguished or notable.

• who proud of 【pedigree】 , is poor of purse
  —Pope
• the deference due to a man of 【pedigree】
  —Gilbert

The term is applied to the 【ancestry】 of persons, and to that of animals and plants propagated under controlled conditions.