Pronunciation: [kˈʌkə͡ʊldɹi] (IPA) 
The word "cuckoldry" is spelled with a silent "l" which can cause confusion for those unfamiliar with the word. The pronunciation is /ˈkʌkəldri/ with the primary stress on the first syllable. This word refers to the act of a man being cheated on or made a cuckold by his partner. While it has fallen out of common usage, the spelling remains the same and can be a tricky one for beginning spellers to master.
Cuckoldry refers to the state, act, or practice of a man being cheated or deceived by his female partner in a romantic or marital relationship, usually resulting in another man engaging in sexual relations with the cheated man's partner. The term primarily focuses on the betrayal and humiliation experienced by the man who is unaware of his partner's infidelity.
In a historical context, cuckoldry was associated with a cultural stigma and was often regarded as a grave offense against a man’s honor. The betrayal would typically involve the woman being unfaithful, while her partner remains oblivious to the situation, often raising another man's child as his own. The term "cuckold" is derived from the cuckoo bird, which is known for laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, deceiving them into raising an offspring that is not theirs.
As societal norms have evolved, the usage of cuckoldry has expanded beyond its literal meaning to include situations of infidelity or betrayal in general. The term is frequently used in discussions surrounding relationships, sexuality, and power dynamics. It may also describe a consensual and sometimes fetishized scenario where a man derives pleasure from his partner engaging in sexual relations with someone else while he remains in a submissive role.
Overall, cuckoldry represents the act of betrayal and the subsequent emotional turmoil experienced by a deceived male partner in a romantic relationship.
System of making cuckolds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cuckoldry" dates back to the late 14th century and is derived from the Middle English term "cokewold". It is a compound word combining "cok" (meaning "cuckoo bird") and "wold" (meaning "ruler" or "master"). The term "cuckoo" was often associated with infidelity in medieval Europe, as the female cuckoo was believed to lay her eggs in the nests of other bird species, deceiving the male into raising offspring that were not his own. This avian behavior became a metaphor for marital infidelity, and hence "cokewold" referred to a man whose wife was unfaithful. Over time, "cokewold" evolved into "cuckold", and "cuckoldry" came to represent the act or state of being a cuckold.
