father-in-law

[ fah-ther-in-law ]

noun

, plural fa·thers-in-law.

1. the father of one's spouse.

father-in-law

noun

1. the father of one's wife or husband

Word History and Origins

Origin of father-in-law¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fader in lawe; father, in, law ¹; from Middle English in-lawe “in law,” i.e., “a person within the regulation and protection of the law,” based on the prohibition by Roman civil law and, later, Christian canon law, of marriages within four degrees of consanguinity, i.e., up to and including first cousins

Example Sentences

Earl Spencer adds, “Effectively, my great-grandfather sold his children to his father-in-law.”

From The Daily Beast

Now, it appears, a similar Kate-inspired boost is happening to her father-in-law's business.

From The Daily Beast

He caught another break when his father-in-law was one of the Islamists rounded up and imprisoned in 2002.

From The Daily Beast

(5) The Best Friend: According to her daughter Amber, "Mom's best friend is Patti Kraft, whose father-in-law owns the Patriots."

From The Daily Beast

I've had a somewhat different experience these past days driving the car of my late father-in-law, Peter Worthington.

From The Daily Beast

Well, she was in the house when my father-in-law went on the visit and the girl came away with him.

From Project Gutenberg

As the representative of his father-in-law, Haggard asked his lordship with punctilious hospitality if he would take another peg.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the rough account of his investments and profits he remembered making for his father-in-law.

From Project Gutenberg

Father-in-law would holler if he heard the car, but Bud did not intend that father-in-law should hear it.

From Project Gutenberg

Catherine redoubled in care and cajolery of her father-in-law, being well aware that her sole support was in him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aunt
• cousin
• father
• folk
• mother
• niece
• sibling
• uncle