polyandry

[ pol-ee-an-dree, pol-ee-an- ]

noun

1. the practice or condition of having more than one husband at one time. Compare monandry ( def 1 ).
2. (among female animals) the habit or system of having two or more mates, either simultaneously or successively.
3. Botany. the state of being polyandrous.

polyandry

/ ˈpɒlɪˌændrɪ /

noun

1. See polygamy
   the practice or condition of being married to more than one husband at the same time Compare polygamy
2. the practice in animals of a female mating with more than one male during one breeding season
3. the condition in flowers of having a large indefinite number of stamens

polyandry

1. A practice in which women have two or more husbands at the same time. A rare form of polygamy , polyandry is practiced by only a few cultures . ( Compare monogamy .)

Derived Forms

• ˌpolyˈandrous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyandry¹

From the Greek word polyandría, dating back to 1770–80. See poly-, -andry

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyandry¹

C18: from Greek poluandria, from poly- + -andria from anēr man

Example Sentences

They practice polyandry.258 Infanticide was frequent among them until suppressed under the action of Government.

From Project Gutenberg

In Polynesia, where polyandry was very prevalent, this custom was at one time fairly rampant.

From Project Gutenberg

Under such circumstances the custom of polyandry is intelligible without further explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

It is everywhere set aside, to a greater or less extent, in favour of the two forms of polygamy—polygyny and polyandry.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the original form of polygamy was probably not polygyny—the only form, practically, that later occurs—but polyandry.

From Project Gutenberg