concubinage

[ kon-kyoo-buh-nij, kong- ]

noun

1. cohabitation of a man and woman without legal or formal marriage.
2. the state or practice of being a concubine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of concubinage¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; concubine, -age

Example Sentences

Yet rampant corruption, entrenched patriarchy, and a long history of concubinage also play a role.

From The Daily Beast

They were setting at defiance the laws of celibacy; they not only sought wives, but they lived in concubinage.

From Project Gutenberg

What can be said to the practices of polygamy and concubinage, which prevailed even in these golden times and in pious families?

From Project Gutenberg

Adoption is common, concubinage rare; each being on a level with marriage in respect to the status of the children.

From Project Gutenberg

Under such rule, polygamy, concubinage, and adultery are not tolerated.

From Project Gutenberg

Concubinage conjointly with a wife, is altogether unlawful for Christians, and detestable.

From Project Gutenberg