A concubine is a woman who is in a long-term sexual and often quasi-marital relationship with a man, but without the full legal status of a wife. In many historical and cultural contexts, concubines have been recognized in societies that permitted polygamy, where a man could have multiple wives and concubines. Concubines typically have lesser status than wives and may be provided for by the man but do not have the same rights or recognition as a lawful spouse.
