niyoga

noun

ni·​yo·​ga

nēˈyōgə

plural -s

Hindu law

: an appointed task

specifically : the appointment of a brother or any near kinsman to raise up issue to a deceased childless husband by marrying his widow

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, order, duty, from niyunakti he orders, enjoins, from ni- down, into + yunakti he yokes, joins

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