A relationship between cohabitating members of the same sex, legally recognized in some states, that conveys to the couple some or all attributes, benefits, and rights of marriage for purposes of that state's law, but not for purposes of other states' laws or federal law. See also cohabitation and marriage. C.J. abbr. 1 Chief justice. 2 Chief judge. 3 Circuit judge. 4 Corpus juris. C.J.S. abbr.Corpus Juris Secundum