Concubinary

/kɑŋˈkyubɪnɛri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to, characteristic of, or involving concubines or the practice of concubinage.

Etymology

From Latin concubinarius, derived from concubina (concubine) plus -ary suffix (Latin -arius, 'relating to'). Similar in meaning to concubinal but with a slightly different formation.

Kelly Says

There are multiple adjectives describing concubinage—concubinal, concubinary, concubinous—which shows how societies obsessed over these non-marital relationships enough to create many overlapping terms for them.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Adjective form of concubina; carries same historical gendering of informal marriage as subordinate female status.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid in contemporary contexts. For historical analysis, use 'informal cohabitation' or 'extramarital partnership' instead.

Inclusive Alternatives

["informal cohabitation","extramarital partnership","non-legal domestic arrangement"]

Related Words

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