‖ Polygynia
(pɒlɪˈdʒɪnɪə)
[f. mod.L. polygyn-us, f. Gr. πολυ-, poly- + γυνή woman, wife (taken by Linnæus in sense ‘pistil’).]
1. Bot. An order in some classes of the Linnæan Sexual System, comprising plants having flowers with more than 12 styles or stigmas.
| [1748 Linnæus Hortus Upsal. 154 Polygynia.] 1760 J. Lee Introd. Bot. ii. viii, Polyginia, comprehending such Plants as have many Styles. 1770 Ellis in Phil. Trans. LX. 528 Dr. Linnæus..places it among the Dodecandria Polygynia. |
2. = polygyny. rare.
| 1865 M{supc}Lennan Prim. Marr. viii. 181 In certain cantons of Media, according to Strabo, polygunia was authorised by express law which ordained every inhabitant to maintain at least seven wives. |