Polygamy (Polygyny)

Polygamy, also called polygyny, is a situation is which a man is married (legally or spiritually) to two or more women simultaneously. This practice exists, covertly, among some religious denominations with the "wives" being aware of each others existence. In this case the first wife is legally married (with state and local paperwork filed) while other "wives" are married in "spiritual" ceremonies without legal paperwork. This practice is illegal, although not often legally enforced in areas where it is practiced.