leviratePronunciation: /ˈliːvɪrət, ˈlɛv-/Definition of levirate noun (usually the levirate) a custom of the ancient Hebrews and some other peoples by which a man may be obliged to marry his brother’s widow: [as modifier]:levirate marriagesOrigin: early 18th century: from Latin levir 'brother-in-law' + -ate1levirate in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of levirate in the US English dictionary
