Final answer:
Levirate marriage is the practice where a man marries his brother's widow, which is false in reference to the question. It's aimed at preserving the husband's lineage and care for the widow and children within the paternal lineage, contrasting with sororate marriage, which focuses on the wife's lineage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that levirate marriage refers to the custom by which a widower marries the sister of his deceased wife is false. Levirate marriage actually refers to the practice where a man is obliged to marry his brother's widow, often to ensure any children can inherit from the lineage of their deceased father, and the widow and children are cared for within the paternal lineage. This practice is sometimes seen in polygynous societies and pursues to maintain the lineage and property within the family. It has been recorded across various cultures, including historical Greek society and certain African communities. Conversely, sororate marriage is the practice where a widower marries the sister of his deceased wife, allowing the children from the first marriage to remain with their father and maintaining a bond with their mother's kindred. While levirate focuses on preserving the husband's lineage, sororate is about maintaining the wife's lineage.