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

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

From Project Gutenberg

We may now examine the relation of matriliny to the seat of authority in the family.

From Project Gutenberg