BROTHER-IN-LAW


Meaning of BROTHER-IN-LAW in English

ˈbrəthə(r)ə̇nˌlȯ, -thrə̇n-, -thə(r)n- noun

( plural brothers-in-law -thə(r)zə̇n-)

Etymology: Middle English brother in lawe; probably from the fact that the canon law forbids marriage with one's spouse's sister or brother

1. : the brother of one's spouse — compare affinity

2. : the husband of one's sister ; broadly : the husband of one's spouse's sister

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.