amitate

noun

am·​i·​tate
ˈaməˌtāt,
-tə̇t
plural -s
1
: a special relationship obtaining among some peoples between a niece and her paternal aunt
2
: authority of a woman over her brother's children and the rights and responsibilities associated therewith compare avunculate

Word History

Etymology

Latin amita paternal aunt + English -ate

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amitate was in 1884

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Dictionary Entries Near amitate

amit

amitate

amitosis

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Amitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amitate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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