To live together as concubines; to engage in or practice concubinage.
From Latin concubinatus (past participle of a verb form related to concubina), meaning 'to live together as concubines.' The -ate suffix converts the noun to a verb meaning to engage in that relationship.
English verbs ending in -ate are often the most formal and technical—'to concubinate' sounds so official and legal, which makes sense because concubinage in Rome was actually a recognized legal arrangement, not just scandalous behavior.
Verb form institutionalizing concubinage as a social practice. Legal codes across Rome, China, Islamic law formalized concubinage as legitimate but subordinate female status.
Avoid. Use 'cohabit as domestic partners' or 'maintain informal domestic partnership' for neutral reference.
["cohabit","maintain domestic partnership","informal marital arrangement"]
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