niyoga

/niːˈjoʊɡə/

Definitions

1. noun

a Hindu custom in which a childless woman is allowed to marry another man for the purpose of having children, while the first husband remains her husband.

“In ancient Hindu society, niyoga was practiced as a means of ensuring the continuation of a family line.”

2. verb

to practice or engage in niyoga

“The woman was forced to niyoga with the man to produce an heir.”

Synonyms

  • levirate
  • surrogacy

Antonyms

  • fertility
  • monogamy