common-law marriage

noun

Definition 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Law Dictionary

common-law marriage

noun

legal Definition of common-law marriage

: a marriage that is without a ceremony and is based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and usually also on their cohabitation for a period and their public recognition of the marriage — compare concubinage

Note: Most jurisdictions no longer allow this type of marriage to be formed, although they may recognize such marriages formed prior to a certain date or formed in a jurisdiction that does permit common-law marriages.