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

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