Definition

1. Noun:
   • The practice or condition of having more than one wife simultaneously. This term specifically refers to a form of marriage in which a man is concurrently married to multiple women.

Usage

• The word "polygyny" is a formal, anthropological, and sociological term. It is used to describe a specific marital structure, often in academic, legal, or cultural discussions. It contrasts with (having multiple husbands) and is a subset of (having multiple spouses).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Polygyny was a common practice among certain historical rulers and tribal societies.
  • The anthropologist studied the social dynamics within communities that practice polygyny.
  • Some religious texts have been interpreted as permitting polygyny under specific conditions.

Advanced Usage

• "Sororal polygyny": A specific type where a man marries sisters.

  • Sororal polygyny was practiced to keep property within the extended family.

• "Non-sororal polygyny": A type where a man marries women who are not sisters.

  • In cases of non-sororal polygyny, co-wives often live in separate households.

Variants and Related Words

• Polygynous (adj): Characterized by or practicing polygyny.
  • A polygynous marriage structure.
• Polygynist (n): A man who practices or is in a state of polygyny.
  • The chief was a known polygynist.

Synonyms

• Plural marriage (though this is a broader term that can include polyandry).
• Having multiple wives.

Antonyms

• Monogamy: The practice of having only one spouse at a time.
• Polyandry: The practice of having more than one husband at a time.

Related Terms and Context

• Polygamy: The overarching term for marriage to more than one spouse.
• Bigamy: The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another, which is a crime in many jurisdictions, unlike culturally or religiously sanctioned polygyny.

Noun

1. having more than one wife at a time