The practice of having more than one wife is called what?

Answer 1

In the West it is sometimes known as plural marriages and is discouraged. However, in some Muslim and Hindu cultures it is normal.

The general term for having two wives or husbands is bigamy, while having any number of spouses more than one is polygamy.

Answer 2

The custom of polygamy is believed to have developed due to shortage of men in small tribal groups, caused by war, hunting accidents, etc. It became customary for another male, often a relative, to care for the family of a fallen member. Eventually this became formalized into polygamous marriage and, over time, the requirement for a previous relationship was dropped in favor of men -- usually rich ones -- simply getting what they wanted.

Answer 3

Mormans usually take on this tradition.

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The practice of having more than one wife (or husband) is known as bigamy (from bi- (two, twice) + Greek -gamos (marriage)), or polygamy (from Greek polys, poleia, poly (much) and gamos (marriage); polugamos 'often marrying'.

Answer 4

Bigamy (from Greek bi- two and gamosmarried) or polygamy (from poly- many and gamos married)