matriliny

[ ma-truh-lin-ee, -lahy-nee, mey- ]

noun

, plural mat·ri·lin·ies.

1. the tracing of descent through the mother's line of a family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of matriliny¹

First recorded in 1905–10; matrilin(eal) + -y ³

Example Sentences

If this solution is correct, it is unnecessary to go into the complicated question of the relation of brother-inheritance to matriliny and patriliny.

From Project Gutenberg

But if, before kinship was reckoned at all, this protectorship were exercised for the benefit of the children, we clearly have a possible cause of matriliny.

From Project Gutenberg

Under matriliny on the other hand there is nothing to prevent the grandchildren from being of the same totem as the grandfather, and they are necessarily of the same class in a four-class tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

From the point of view of potestas, it is a great advance that the father should be able to dispose of his own daughter in marriage; but if we may judge by the survival of matria potestas into patriliny, the cases of patria potestas under matriliny cannot have exercised an important influence in bringing about a change in the rule of descent.

From Project Gutenberg

However this may be, the position of the widow does not appear to invalidate the guardianship origin of matriliny.

From Project Gutenberg