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Concubines: meaning, definitions and examples

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concubines

 

[ kɒŋˈkjuːbaɪnz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical term

Concubines are women who have a recognized sexual relationship with a man but are not married to him. In many cultures, concubines had legal or social status, though usually of a lower rank than wives. The practice of having concubines often aimed at producing offspring, particularly male heirs.

Synonyms

lover, mistress, secondary wife

Examples of usage

  • The king kept several concubines in the palace.
  • Throughout history, many emperors had concubines to ensure they had heirs.
  • In some societies, concubines were treated with respect despite not being wives.

Word origin

The term 'concubine' originates from the Latin word 'concubina', which means 'to lie with' or 'to cohabit'. This Latin term derives from 'con-' meaning 'with' and 'cubare' meaning 'to lie down'. Historically, concubinage was common in various cultures, including ancient Rome, where it was recognized as a social institution. In many societies, concubinage served the function of ensuring male lineage and providing companionship, often without the legal bindings of marriage. Over centuries, the status and treatment of concubines varied greatly depending on cultural, religious, and social norms, ranging from respected companions to marginalized individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,351, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.