Anthropology. [a. L. lēvir brother-in-law; a common Aryan word = Skr. dēvar, Gr. δαήρ, Lith. dëverì-s, OSl. deverĭ, OHG. zeihhur, OE. tácor.] A brother-in-law, or one acting as such under the custom of the LEVIRATE.
1865. M‘Lennan, Prim. Marriage, viii. 203. In the earliest age the Levir had no alternative but to take the widow.
1898. W. Crooke, in Folk-Lore, June, 105. She is taken over by some other clansman, usually a widower. But in this case … the new husband is compelled to repay to the Levir the bride-price.
