1 couvade | Definition of couvade
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couvade

noun
cou·​vade | \ kü-ˈväd How to pronounce couvade (audio) \

Definition of couvade

: a custom in some cultures in which when a child is born the father takes to bed as if bearing the child and submits himself to fasting, purification, or taboos

First Known Use of couvade

1865, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for couvade

French, from Middle French, cowardly inactivity, from cover to sit on, brood over — more at covey

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More Definitions for couvade

couvade

noun
cou·​vade | \ kü-ˈväd How to pronounce couvade (audio) \

Medical Definition of couvade

1 : a custom in some cultures in which when a child is born the father takes to bed as if bearing the child and submits himself to fasting, purification, or taboos
2 : couvade syndrome

More from Merriam-Webster on couvade

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with couvade

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about couvade

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