common-law
|com/mon-law|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑːmən lɔː/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒmən lɔː/
unofficial marriage
Etymology
'common-law' originates from Middle English, specifically the term 'commune ley,' where 'commune' meant 'common' and 'ley' meant 'law.'
'commune ley' transformed into the modern English term 'common-law' through the influence of legal terminology.
Initially, it referred to the body of law developed from judicial decisions, but over time it evolved to also describe relationships akin to marriage without legal formalities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to a relationship between two people who live together as a married couple but are not legally married.
They have been in a common-law relationship for over 10 years.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45