WorldAugust 27, 2026

polygamy

puh-LIG-uh-mee

Definition

The practice or condition of having more than one spouse at the same time.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'polys' (many) and 'gamos' (marriage), the term entered English in the 17th century to describe the social or religious custom of plural marriage.

In the news

The article references the term to describe prohibited behaviors that the Idaho state constitution identifies as inconsistent with state safety or morality, contrasting these with the rights of religious practice.

Idaho law protects faith healers. It wasn’t always that way.

Read the full article ↗

Daily Kos

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