(In a polygamous marriage) a man's highest-ranking wife; specifically (chiefly South African) the highest-ranking wife of an African chief or king, and the mother of his heir.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in Modern Part of Universal History.
Definition of great wife in US English:
great wife
noun
(In a polygamous marriage) a man's highest-ranking wife; specifically (chiefly South African) the highest-ranking wife of an African chief or king, and the mother of his heir.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in Modern Part Universal History.