between people of different social ranks: describes a marriage in which neither the spouse of lower social rank nor any children of the marriage may inherit the title or possessions of the higher-ranking spouse
[Late 16th century. Directly or via French or German< medieval Latin (matrimonium ad) morganaticam "(marriage for the) morning-gift" (the bridegroom's gift to the bride, which relieved him of further responsibility)]
Hotmail
Messenger
My MSN
MSN Directory
