morganatically

1 definition found

morganatically - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Morganatic \Mor`ga*nat"ic\, a. [LL. matrimonium ad morganaticam,
     fr. morganatica a morning gift, a kind of dowry paid on the
     morning before or after the marriage, fr. OHG. morgan
     morning, in morgangeba morning gift, G. morgengabe. See
     Morn.]
     Pertaining to, in the manner of, or designating, a kind of
     marriage, called also left-handed marriage, between a man
     of superior rank and a woman of inferior, in which it is
     stipulated that neither the latter nor her children shall
     enjoy the rank or inherit the possessions of her husband.
     --Brande & C. -- Mor`ga*nat"ic*al*ly, adv.
     [1913 Webster]