polygyny

Definition

The state or practice of having several wives at the same time; plurality of wives; marriage to several wives.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek πολύ (polú, “many”) + γυνή (gunḗ, “woman, wife”). By surface analysis, poly- + -gyny.

Example Sentences

• "We may infer that in most cases where polygyny exists, monogamy co-exists to a greater extent, and in all other cases to a considerable extent."