wife-in-law
Meanings
noun
- A wife in law only, such as one who has abandoned her husband
- A wife who provides domestic or social support, but not love or affection
- Another wife of one's husband. Typically used in cases of divorce and subsequent remarriage for one's husband's ex-wife, but sometimes used in polygamy for a co-wife.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From wife + -in-law.
Synonyms
Related words
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