matriliny

American  

[ma-truh-lin-ee, -lahy-nee, mey-] / ˈmæ trəˌlɪn i, -ˌlaɪ ni, ˈmeɪ- /

noun

plural

matrilinies

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

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Etymology

Origin of matriliny

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

Example Sentences

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 Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia by Thomas, Northcote Whitridge

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 Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia by Thomas, Northcote Whitridge

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

From Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia by Thomas, Northcote Whitridge

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 Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia by Thomas, Northcote Whitridge