jus primae noctis
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of jus primae noctis
First recorded in 1885–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For all he knew there might never have been any such law as the jus primae noctis, or any such creature as a capitalist, or any such garment as a top hat.
From "1984" by George Orwell
There is no mention of any jus primae noctis where the marriage was the result of betrothal.
From Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia by Northcote Whitridge Thomas
The same custom remained in other parts of the world as the jus primae noctis, which was held as an inalienable right by certain kings and other divine personages.
From The Witch-cult in Western Europe A Study in Anthropology by Margaret Alice Murray
When we consider that the jus primae noctis is explained as an expiation for individual marriage the position of the tippa-malku husband and the method in which he obtains his wife are exceedingly instructive.
From Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia by Northcote Whitridge Thomas
In the Welsh tale Geraint and Enid are bedded in Arthur's own chamber, which seems to be a symbolic commutation of the jus primae noctis a custom of which the very existence is disputed.
From Alfred Tennyson by Andrew Lang
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
