Deuterogamy

/ˌdjuːtərˈɒɡəmi/ noun

Definition

A second marriage, especially after the death of a first spouse, or more broadly, the state or practice of marrying a second time.

Etymology

From deutero- (second) + -gamy (from Greek 'gamos' meaning 'marriage'). This word was particularly common in religious and legal documents from medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Kelly Says

Historically, widows and widowers who remarried were sometimes treated differently by churches and communities—this word marks an important social distinction that shaped laws about property and inheritance.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.