mother-in-law

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The mother of one's spouse.

   For I am come to ſet a man at variance* againſt his father, ⁊ the daughter againſt her mother, and the daughter in law againſt her mother in law.

2. 2
   noun

   A stepmother.

   Do but consider, my dear Mr. Dashwood, how excessively comfortable your mother-in-law and her daughters may live on the interest of seven thousand pounds,

3. 3
   noun

   the mother of your spouse

4. 4
   noun

   A mother-in-law apartment.

5. 5
   noun

   A mother-in-law sandwich.

6. 6
   noun

   A spicy Caribbean sauce made with peppers, carrots, onions, lime juice, etc.

Etymology

From Middle English moder in lawe; equivalent to mother + -in-law.