sister-in-law
[ sis-ter-in-law ]
/ ˈsɪs tər ɪnˌlɔ /
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noun, plural sis·ters-in-law.
the sister of one's spouse.
the wife of one's brother or sister.
the wife of one's spouse's sister or brother.
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Origin of sister-in-law
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English syster in lawe; see origin at sister, in, law1; 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
Words nearby sister-in-law
sissy, sissy bar, sister, Sister Carrie, sisterhood, sister-in-law, Sister Joseph's nodule, Sister Kenny's treatment, sisterly, Sister of Charity, Sister of Loretto
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for sister-in-law
sister-in-law
noun plural sisters-in-law
the sister of one's husband or wife
the wife of one's brother
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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