Definition

Noun 1. One of two basic subdivisions of a tribe: In anthropology and social organization, a moiety is one of two primary social or kinship groups into which a society or tribe is divided. 2. One of two (approximately) equal parts: A moiety is one of two roughly equal parts or halves of something.

Usage Examples

• Referring to a tribal subdivision:
  • In many traditional societies, marriage was only permitted between members of opposite moieties.
  • The tribe was divided into two moieties, the Eagle and the Raven.
• Referring to an approximately equal part:
  • A moiety of the estate was left to each of the two children.
  • He inherited a moiety, or half share, of the property.

Advanced Usage

• Legal and Historical Context: The term is often used in legal, historical, or anthropological texts to describe inheritance, property division, or social structure.
  • The court ordered the division of the assets, granting a moiety to the plaintiff.

Variants and Related Words

• Half (n): A more common and general term for one of two equal parts.
• Segment (n): A part that is divided or separated from the whole.
• Division (n): The act or process of dividing something into parts.

Synonyms

• Half
• Part
• Portion
• Share
• Division

Notes

• Formality: "Moiety" is a formal and specialized term. In everyday language, "half" is almost always used instead for the meaning of "one of two equal parts."
• Specificity: When referring to social groups, "moiety" is a technical term with a precise anthropological meaning.

Noun

1. one of two basic subdivisions of a tribe
2. one of two (approximately) equal parts