The crime or practice of being married to two people at the same time.
From Latin 'bi-' (two) + 'gamy' (from Greek 'gamos' meaning marriage). The word entered English in the 1500s through legal terminology, as English courts needed to name this crime.
The word 'bigamy' reveals how English law borrowed heavily from Latin—most crime words have Latin roots because the legal system itself was built on Roman law principles, making Latin the language of justice.
Bigamy laws historically targeted women's autonomy while protecting male property rights. Enforcement was asymmetrical—men faced fewer consequences, and women had no legal recourse if husband took second wife.
Use 'bigamy' legally/factually but recognize its gendered enforcement history and that criminalization disproportionately affected women without voice in marriage contracts.
Women's rights movements secured legal recognition of marital equality and spousal choice, though enforcement gaps remain globally.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.