1. The stage of physical development when a person takes on secondary sexual characteristics and it usu. becomes possible to reproduce. • In females, the beginning of this stage is marked by the menarche.
2. Hist. The earliest age at which one could presumptively consent and to legally enter into a binding marriage. • At English common law, children became marriageable at the onset of legal puberty (age 12 for girls and 14 for boys). At French civil law, a marriage was invalid if contracted before the end of legal puberty (age 15 for girls and 18 for boys). An underage spouse had the power to void the marriage. — Also termed (in English common law) age of discretion.
