common-law marriage
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.common–law marriage
nounDefinition of COMMON-LAW MARRIAGE
1
: a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions and based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and sometimes also on their cohabitation
2
: the cohabitation of a couple even when it does not constitute a legal marriage
First Known Use of COMMON-LAW MARRIAGE
1888
common-law marriage
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Marriage that is without a civil or religious ceremony and is based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and usually also on their cohabitation for a period of time. Most jurisdictions no longer allow this type of marriage to be formed, though they may recognize such marriages formed before a certain date or formed in a jurisdiction that permits such marriages.
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