second wife; later wife
Refers to a wife taken after a previous marriage ended (by death or divorce). The related form 後添い (のちぞい) is also used.
See also: 後添い (のちぞい)
After losing his first wife, he took a second wife.
Compound of 後 (のち, 'after') + 添え (そえ, 'adding, accompanying'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term literally suggests someone added later.