What is the term for a man marrying the widow of his deceased brother?

The term that describes a man marrying the widow of his deceased brother is known as levirate. This practice is often rooted in cultural or religious traditions where ensuring the continuation of the deceased brother's lineage is a priority. By marrying the widow, the man takes on the responsibility of providing for her and the children, if any, while also preserving the family line.

This customary practice can be found in various societies around the world and serves to strengthen familial bonds and social structures. Levirate marriage addresses both the needs of the widow and the family of the deceased, manifesting how social norms can influence family organization and inheritance patterns.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different concepts: phratry refers to a kinship group within certain tribal societies; monogamy denotes a marriage system where one individual has one spouse at a time; and polygamy indicates a marriage system involving more than two partners, either through multiple wives or husbands.