nonage

[ non-ij, noh-nij ]

noun

1. the period of legal minority, or of an age below 21.
2. any period of immaturity.

nonage

/ ˈnəʊnɪdʒ /

noun

1. law the state of being under any of various ages at which a person may legally enter into certain transactions, such as the making of binding contracts, marrying, etc
2. any period of immaturity

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonage¹

1350–1400; late Middle English < Middle French ( non-, age ); replacing Middle English nownage < Anglo-French nounage; Middle French as above

Example Sentences

England is no more in her dotage than America is in her nonage.

From Project Gutenberg

Marriages are usually arranged by mothers in nonage, but consulting the destined bride.

From Project Gutenberg

Had not he himself made anti-national treaties almost before he was out of his nonage?

From Project Gutenberg

It occasionally puts children over men, and the conceits of nonage over wisdom and experience.

From Project Gutenberg

During Nero's nonage he was persevering in his studies and made great progress in Greek.

From Project Gutenberg