sororate

[ sawr-uh-reyt, sohr- ]

noun

1. subsequent or concurrent marriage with a wife's sister.

sororate

/ ˈsɒrəˌreɪt /

noun

1. the custom in some societies of a widower marrying his deceased wife's younger sister

Word History and Origins

Origin of sororate¹

1905–10; < Latin sorōr- (stem of soror ) sister + -ate ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of sororate¹

C20: from Latin soror a sister

Example Sentences

Most marriage was by purchase; the levirate and sororate were common.

From Project Gutenberg