Monogynous (Adjective)
Meaning
Having one head or chief wife at a time (along with concubines).
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The Sultan's harem was a prime example of a monogynous marriage system, where he had one favored wife while keeping multiple concubines.
- In some African cultures, polygynous societies have a monogynous variation, where the head wife holds significant power and status in the household.
- Khan's marital arrangement was typically monogynous, with one chief wife who managed the household and several secondary wives who held lesser status.
- The emperor's monogynous relationship with his empress was well-known, while his other consorts and concubines were kept discreetly in the background.
- Monogynous polygamy, where one wife is the primary partner, is still practiced in some regions of Asia and the Middle East.