Concubine

usgb/ˈkɑːŋkjubaɪn/
noun

A woman who lives with a man but has lower social status than his wife or wives.

In ancient civilizations, it was common for rich men to have concubines aside from their legal wives.
Visual representation of "concubine" - A woman who lives with a man but has lower social status than his wife or wives.

Often appears as...

  • keep a concubine
  • take a concubine
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "concubine"
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Social Hierarchy

Concubine implies a lower status in a household hierarchy compared to a wife.

Illustration for Social Hierarchy
The concubine could not dine at the same table as the man's wife.
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Not Official

A concubine's relationship with a man isn't officially recognized like a marriage.

Illustration for Not Official
Even though she lived with him, she remained a concubine, not a spouse.
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Cultural Specificity

The term is often tied to certain cultures or historical periods—be aware of context.

Illustration for Cultural Specificity
In that culture, concubines were common, but the practice is now outdated.
Visual representation of the word "Concubine"

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