coverture
Meanings
noun
- Concealing cover, disguise, veil; also figurative
- A common law doctrine developed in England during the Middle Ages, whereby a woman's legal existence, upon marriage, was subsumed by that of her husband, particularly with regard to ownership of property and protection.
- Alternative spelling of couverture.
- Shelter, hiding place.
Word forms
Etymology
From Middle English, borrowed from Old French coverture, from covrir (“to cover”) or from Late Latin coopertura. Doublet of couverture.
Related words
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