Definition of coverture in English:
coverture
noun ˈkʌvətjʊəˈkəvərtʃ(ʊ)ər
1literary mass noun Protective or concealing covering.
Example sentencesExamples
- With a lucid discussion of the constraints of coverture, Cott undercuts such symbolism and outlines the ironies which underlay.
- They attacked suddenly and skilfully using natural covertures, destroy our positions one after another by the direct fire.
- You must have indeed shed a silent tear and perhaps given a bit of help to those who crave for your covertures.
- Secondly, it allows us to view a world beyond coverture and crime which has consumed so much scholarly energy in recent years.
2Law
historical The legal status of a married woman, considered to be under her husband's protection and authority.
Example sentencesExamples
- A husband could make a special legal claim under coverture if his wife was injured in an accident.
- Feminist reformers also challenged coverture by invoking equality.
- Under coverture a married woman could not sue or be sued unless her husband was party to the suit.
- After all, it is impossible to understand the doctrine of coverture.
- With few exceptions, coverture is now dead and gone.
Origin
Middle English (originally denoting a coverlet or garment): from Old French, from covrir 'to cover'.
Definition of coverture in US English:
coverture
nounˈkəvərCH(o͝o)ərˈkəvərtʃ(ʊ)ər
1literary Protective or concealing covering.
Example sentencesExamples
- With a lucid discussion of the constraints of coverture, Cott undercuts such symbolism and outlines the ironies which underlay.
- They attacked suddenly and skilfully using natural covertures, destroy our positions one after another by the direct fire.
- You must have indeed shed a silent tear and perhaps given a bit of help to those who crave for your covertures.
- Secondly, it allows us to view a world beyond coverture and crime which has consumed so much scholarly energy in recent years.
2Law
historical The legal status of a married woman, considered to be under her husband's protection and authority.
Example sentencesExamples
- With few exceptions, coverture is now dead and gone.
- Under coverture a married woman could not sue or be sued unless her husband was party to the suit.
- A husband could make a special legal claim under coverture if his wife was injured in an accident.
- Feminist reformers also challenged coverture by invoking equality.
- After all, it is impossible to understand the doctrine of coverture.
Origin
Middle English (originally denoting a coverlet or garment): from Old French, from covrir ‘to cover’.