spiritual wifery

English

Noun

spiritual wifery (uncountable)

1. (chiefly Mormonism, often derogatory) Polygyny; plural marriage.
   • 1855 September, [Cornelia Ferris], “Life Among the Mormons”, in Putnam’s Monthly Magazine […], volume 6, number 33, page 265:

     It seems he knew nothing of spiritual wifery before he came here. I suggested to him that, after such a discourse from Brigham, he was in duty bound to take two or three wives, at least.

   • 1930, Milo Milton Quaife, The Kingdom of Saint James: A Narrative of the Mormons, page 97:

     In it he stated his conviction that Bennett had not taught polygamy or spiritual wifery, and his belief that the church leaders at Voree were set “like flint” against spiritual wifery in every form.

   • 1974, William G. McLoughlin, “Free Love, Immortalism, and Perfectionism in Cumberland, Rhode Island, 1748–1768”, in Rhode Island History, volume 33, page 70:

     It is more than likely that the Rhode Island law against breaches of marriage covenants was a direct response to the rapid spread of spiritual wifery in this period.