bigamy etymology

Etymology

The word "bigamy" is derived from the Latin words "bi-" (meaning "two") and "gamia" (meaning "marriage").

Meaning

Bigamy is the crime of being legally married to two people at the same time. In most jurisdictions, bigamy is a criminal offense, and a person convicted of bigamy may face penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or both.

Origin

The concept of bigamy dates back to ancient times. In many ancient cultures, polygamy was practiced, meaning that it was permissible for a person to have multiple spouses. However, in some cultures, bigamy was considered a crime.

In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church condemned bigamy and declared that a marriage between a man and a woman was indissoluble. This view was later adopted by most Western countries, and bigamy became a criminal offense.

Today, bigamy is still a crime in most jurisdictions, although some countries have decriminalized it or legalized polygamy under certain circumstances.

bigamy relate terms

  • bigamist

    Etymology Bigamy is derived from the Latin words bi two and gamia marriage

  • bigamy

    Etymology The word bigamy is derived from the Latin words bi meaning two and ga

  • polygamy

    Etymology From Greek polýgamos from polýs many gámos marriage Meaning a

  • wedlock

    Etymology The word wedlock is derived from the Old English words wǣdd pledge promi

  • union

    Etymology The word union derives from the Old French term union 12th century which

  • marriage

    Etymology Old English marian noun Meaning to marry take a wife Proto Germanic

  • matrimony

    Etymology The word matrimony originates from the Latin word matrimonium which is for

  • orient

    Etymology The word orient originates from the Old French orient which itself derive

  • energy

    Etymology The word energy is derived from the Ancient Greek word ενέργεια en

  • dance

    Etymology The word dance traces its origins back to Old French dancier Latin da