ETYM Late Lat. matrimonium ad morganaticam, from morganatica a morning gift, a kind of dowry paid on the morning before or after the marriage, from Old High Germ. morgan morning, in morgangeba morning gift, German morgengabe. Related to Morn.
Relating to a marriage between those of unequal rank.
Pertaining to or denoting marriage of person of royal blood to person of inferior rank, by which the latter does not receive the royal spouse's rank nor do the children inherit his or her titles or property.
(Of marriages) Of a marriage between one of royal or noble birth and one of lower rank; valid but with the understanding that the rank of the inferior remains unchanged and offspring do not succeed to titles of the superior.