Polygamy

(po-lig'a-me.) [FromGr. polys, many, and gamos, marriage.) A plurality of wives or husbands at the same time; the latter, however, (also sometimes called Polyandry, for the sake of distinction,) is hardly included under the term, as it has scarcely ever been considered lawful. In some countries, Turkey, for instance, P. is allowed; but, by the laws of the United States, P. is made felony, except in the case of absence beyond the seas for seven years. P. prevailed among the Jewish patriarchs,both before and under the Mosaic law; but the state of manners had probably become reformed in this respect before the time of Christ, for in the New Testament we meet no trace of its practice. P.has been allowed under all the religions which have prevailed in Asia. By the laws of Mohammed, every Mu ulman is permitted to have a plurality of wives; the Arabs, however, seldom avail themselves of this privilege. The ancient Romans never practised it, though it was not forbidden among them; and Mark Antony is mentioned as the first who used the privilege of having two wives. From that time, it became frequent in the Roman empire, till the reigns of Theodosius, Honor i us, and Arcadius, who prohibited it, A.D. 393. See MORMONS.-(Law.) See BIGAMY. [s. 720]