Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

concubinage

Noun

/ˈkɒn.kjʊ.bɪ.nɪdʒ/

Definition

The state of being in a relationship in which a man and a woman live together and have a sexual relationship without being legally married.

Examples

In some ancient cultures, concubinage was a common practice, allowing men to have multiple partners.
The children born from a concubinage arrangement may have different rights and status than those from a legal marriage.
Concubinage was often seen as a way to secure alliances between families.

Meaning

Concubinage refers to a situation where a couple cohabits and engages in a sexual relationship without formal marital commitment. It is often associated with historical or cultural practices where a man may have one main wife and one or more concubines.