Coverture meaning

Coverture was a legal doctrine in which a married woman's legal rights and obligations were subsumed by her husband upon marriage.


Coverture definitions

Word backwards erutrevoc
Part of speech The word "coverture" is a noun.
Syllabic division cov-er-ture
Plural The plural of coverture is covertures.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) o,e,u
Consonants (4) c,v,r,t

What is Coverture?

Coverture was a legal doctrine that originated in medieval England and was carried over to the American colonies. Under coverture, a married woman's legal rights and obligations were subsumed by her husband. This meant that she could not own property, enter into contracts, or file lawsuits in her own name.

The Impact of Coverture

The impact of coverture was profound for married women. It essentially rendered them as legal nonentities, with no ability to make independent decisions or take legal actions. Any property owned by a woman before marriage, or acquired during marriage, was considered to belong to her husband.

Challenges and Restrictions

Women faced significant challenges and restrictions as a result of coverture. They were unable to control their own finances, make decisions about their children, or pursue careers outside of the home. This lack of legal autonomy made it difficult for women to assert their independence and carve out their own identities.

The Abolition of Coverture

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coverture began to be dismantled in the United States and other Western countries. Legal reforms gradually chipped away at the doctrine, granting married women more rights and recognition as individuals. Eventually, with the advent of feminism and gender equality movements, coverture was completely abolished.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of coverture can still be felt today in some residual legal frameworks and societal attitudes. Despite its abolition, the remnants of this doctrine continue to affect gender relations and perceptions of women's rights. Understanding the history and implications of coverture is crucial for recognizing how far society has come in the fight for gender equality.


Coverture Examples

  1. The coverture of the operation was necessary to maintain secrecy.
  2. The spy relied on his skills of coverture to gather intelligence undetected.
  3. The legal concept of coverture protected a married woman's property rights.
  4. The coverture of darkness allowed the thief to sneak into the building unnoticed.
  5. His disguise was a perfect example of coverture, fooling everyone around him.
  6. The coverture of the forest provided a perfect hiding spot for the fugitive.
  7. The hacker's coverture allowed them to access sensitive information without being traced.
  8. The company used coverture to protect its trade secrets from competitors.
  9. The team's coverture during the mission ensured they completed it successfully.
  10. The CIA agent's training in coverture tactics made them an effective spy.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 17:52:26