Môr'ga-nāt'ic, a.

a. [L. Lat. matrimonium ad morganaticam, from morganatica, a morning gift, a kind of dowry paid on the morning before or after the marriage, corrupted from O. H. Ger. morgan-gabe, N. H. Ger. morgengabe, D. & Dan. morgen-gave, Sw. morgongåfva, A-S. morgengifu, from morgen, morning, and gifu, gift.] Pertaining to, or in the manner of, a kind of marriage, called also left-handed marriage, between a man of superior and a woman of inferior rank, in which it is stipulated that neither the latter nor her children shall enjoy the rank or inherit the possessions of her husband. See LEFT-HANDED. Brande.