Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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POLYANDRY

The simultaneous marriage of one woman with two or more men. Historically, where the practice existed, it was often accompanied by female infanticide, as a logical counterpart to a marital system in which there was a plurality of potential husbands. Polyandry was never permitted or tolerated either throughout the period of the Old Testament or among the pagan peoples of ancient times, even among those who widely condoned prostitution. (Etym. Greek polyandros, having many husbands.)