polygyny

It is everywhere set aside, to a greater or less extent, in favour of the two forms of polygamy—polygyny and polyandry.

Hence the original form of polygamy was probably not polygyny—the only form, practically, that later occurs—but polyandry.

Indeed, this is what has almost universally happened wherever pure polygyny prevails.

In the northerly regions, where immigration and racial fusion have played a greater rle, both monogamy and polygyny may be found.

The same is true of America and of Africa, monogamy decidedly predominating in the former and polygyny in the latter.