MORGANATIC Meaning and
Definition
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The term "morganatic" is primarily used to describe a marriage or marital union between two individuals of unequal social status, particularly in a historical context. In such a union, the person of higher social rank, usually a member of nobility or royalty, marries an individual of lower social standing, often without bestowing upon them the same rank or privileges. The partner of lower rank is referred to as the "morganatic spouse."
The term originates from the Latin phrase "matrimonium ad morganaticum," meaning marriage based on "morganatic law." This legal concept restricts the rights and entitlements of the lower-ranked partner, preventing them from inheriting titles, wealth, or any other privileges associated with the partner of higher social status. As a consequence, their children are often excluded from the inheritance as well.
Historically, morganatic marriages were primarily practiced in Europe, particularly in royal families, to prevent dilution of noble bloodlines or to preserve the power dynamics prevalent at the time. These unions were often seen as socially and legally binding but with limited rights and societal recognition for the morganatic spouse.
Today, the term "morganatic" is used more broadly to refer to any relationship or partnership wherein one person has a significantly higher social, economic, or professional status than the other. It signifies an acknowledgment or understanding that the relationship exists with certain limitations or disparities in terms of social privileges and benefits conferred.
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Among the feudatories of the Lombards and other branches of Teutonic race, a name applied to the endowment of a wife, on the morning after marriage, with a limited portion of her husband's fortune; subsequently, a name applied to a marriage between a man of exalted rank and a woman of inferior position, she being only, however, entitled to the morgengabe, without partaking of his rank, or having the same or any rights in the inheritance of the husband transmitted to her children; left-handed, as an irregular marriage.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MORGANATIC
- norganatic
- korganatic
- jorganatic
- mirganatic
- mkrganatic
- mlrganatic
- mprganatic
- m0rganatic
- m9rganatic
- moeganatic
- modganatic
- mofganatic
- motganatic
- mo5ganatic
- mo4ganatic
- morfanatic
- morvanatic
- morbanatic
- morhanatic
Etymology of MORGANATIC
The word "morganatic" comes from the Latin term "matrimonium ad morganaticum". "Matrimonium" means marriage, and "ad morganaticum" means according to the morganatic system. The word "morganatic" itself initially appeared in the late 18th century in Germany, where it was known as "Morganatische Ehe".
The term is derived from the Old High German word "moragan" or "morgjan", which means "morning gift" or "morning-pledge". In medieval Germany, a morning gift was a customary gift given by the groom to the bride on the morning after their wedding. This gift often served as a form of financial support for the bride in case her husband died before her.
Over time, the concept of a morganatic marriage developed from this practice.
Similar spelling words for MORGANATIC
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