polygamy

Definition

The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time.

Etymology

Recorded since 1591, from Late Latin polygamia, from Ancient Greek πολυγαμία (polugamía), itself from πολύγαμος (polúgamos, “married to many”), from πολύς (polús, “many”) + γάμος (gámos, “marriage”). Relates to modern prefix and suffix poly- + -gamy.

Example Sentences

• "Are there countries where polygamy is legal for both men and women?"
• "Miss Griffin was a model of propriety, and I am at a loss to imagine what the feelings of the virtuous woman would have been, if she had known, when she paraded us down the Hampstead Road two and two, that she was walking with a stately step at the head of Polygamy and Mahomedanism."
• "Though Islam allows polygamy, it is frowned upon in many contemporary Muslim societies."

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