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levirate

Syllabification: (lev·i·rate)
Pronunciation: /ˈlevərit, -ˌrāt/
Definition of levirate

noun

(usually the levirate)
  • a custom of the ancient Hebrews and other peoples by which a man may be obliged to marry his brother’s widow: [as modifier]:levirate marriages

Origin:

early 18th century: from Latin levir 'brother-in-law' + -ate1

levirate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of levirate in the British & World English dictionary

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