Concubinage, Concubine

CONCUBINAGE - This term has two different significations; sometimes it means a species of marriage which took place among the ancients, and which is yet in use in some countries. In this country it means the act or practice of cobabiting as man and woman, in sexual commerce, without the authority of law, or a legal marriage.

CONCUBINE - A woman who cohabits with a man as his wife, without being married.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.