morganatique

morganatique (FR ADJ) morganatic. In feudal times, when a man from a courtly rank in society married a woman of inferior status, and the titles, properties, and other elements of rank did not automatically transfer to the woman or to any children had by the couple, such a woman (and marriage) was termed morganatic. Often a gift was given the morning (Latin: morganaticam: morning gift) of the wedding. (Vilmorin)