levirate

levirate Definition

levi·rate (lev′ə rit, -rāt′; -lē′və-)

noun

a custom of the Jews in Biblical times by which a dead man's brother was obligated to marry the widow if there were no sons: Deut. 25:5-10

Etymology: L levir, husband's brother, brother-in-law (< *daiwer < IE *dāiwēr > Sans dēvár, Gr daēr, OE tacor) + -ate

levirate Related Forms

lev′i·rat′ic (-ə rat′ik) adjective or lev′i·rat′i·cal

levirate Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

marriage: In addition, childless widows must obtain a ritual release from their DEAD HUSBAND'S BROTHER ( levirate marriage ) in order to re-marry!
law: The ancient Old Testament levirate law is being referred to here.

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