coverture
/ˈkʌvətjʊə
/noun
1 [mass noun] literary Protective or concealing covering.With a lucid discussion of the constraints of coverture, Cott undercuts such symbolism and outlines the ironies which underlay....
- Secondly, it allows us to view a world beyond coverture and crime which has consumed so much scholarly energy in recent years.
- They attacked suddenly and skilfully using natural covertures, destroy our positions one after another by the direct fire.
2 Law, historical The legal status of a married woman, considered to be under her husband’s protection and authority.A husband could make a special legal claim under coverture if his wife was injured in an accident....
- Under coverture a married woman could not sue or be sued unless her husband was party to the suit.
- Feminist reformers also challenged coverture by invoking equality.
Origin
Middle English (originally denoting a coverlet or garment): from Old French, from covrir 'to cover'.