Legal Definitions - praelibatio matrimonii

Praelibatio matrimonii

Praelibatio matrimonii is a Latin term that means "a foretaste of marriage." In the past, it was used to describe a custom where a couple would spend a night together before their wedding day.

For example, in ancient Rome, it was common for the bride and groom to spend the night before their wedding day together. This was known as praelibatio matrimonii. The couple would share a meal and a bed, but they would not consummate their marriage until after the wedding ceremony.

Another example is in medieval Europe, where some couples would exchange vows of betrothal and then spend the night together as a sign of their commitment to each other. This was also considered a praelibatio matrimonii.

These examples illustrate how praelibatio matrimonii was a cultural practice that allowed couples to experience a taste of married life before officially tying the knot.