Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

morganatic

adjective

/ˌmɔːɡəˈnætɪk/

Definition

A term referring to a marriage between a person of high rank and a partner of lower social status, where the lower-status partner is not entitled to any title or property of the higher-status spouse.

Examples

They held a morganatic marriage, which meant that she would not obtain the title of queen.
The king’s morganatic union was a topic of much discussion among the nobility.
Despite their love, their morganatic marriage prevented her from inheriting any of the family estate.

Meaning

Morganatic describes a marriage arrangement that protects the nobility’s privileges, ensuring that children born from such unions do not inherit royal titles or family assets.