Contubernal
Reference
Definition
Contubernal describes a sexual, marriage-like relationship between a male and female slave when the parties were legally unable to marry.
Quick Facts
| Term | Contubernal |
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What does contubernal mean?
Contubernal is an adjective for a relationship between a male and female slave that is sexual in nature and resembles marriage, but is not formalized because the partners are legally unable to marry.
A rarer broader meaning
Contubernal can also describe people who live in close proximity or share an intimate, familiar connection. This broader sense is rare and does not necessarily refer to a sexual relationship.