concubinage

/ˌkɒnbjuˈbiːɪdʒ/

Definitions

1. noun

the state of being a concubine; a relationship in which one person has a long-term, often sexual, partnership with another person, especially one who is not the partner’s spouse, often in a socially or legally inferior position

“The concubinage between the emperor and his mistresses was a common practice in ancient Chinese courts.”

Synonyms

  • concubinatus
  • concubinism
  • mistressship

Antonyms

  • matrimony
  • monogamy