Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A mutual and formal promise or contract made for or by a man and a woman with a view to their marriage; betrothal; the act or state of being betrothed, or promised in marriage.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun The act of betrothing, or the state of being betrothed; betrothal.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun The act of
betrothing , or the state of being betrothed.
Etymologies
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Examples
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This passed in sight of the whole assembled court, who naturally regarded the action as a kind of betrothment; and the long suspense being apparently ended, the feelings of every party broke forth without restraint or disguise.
Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth Lucy Aikin 1822
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We need not go far to find out men learned in the law to inform us that to try and attempt to get and assure the affections of any one is not a betrothment.
The Doctrine of the Saints��� Perseverance Explained and Confirmed 1616-1683 1966
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The real lover returning, enters at this moment, and produces the ring which she had once given him in sign of her betrothment.
The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1838 James Gillman
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When a man has betrothed one of five women, and does not remember which of the five it is, while each of them claims the right of betrothment, then he is duty bound to give to each a bill of divorcement, and to distribute the dowry due to one among them all.
Hebraic Literature; Translations from the Talmud, Midrashim and Kabbala Various
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Philip insisted that Richard should espouse, in conformity with their betrothment, now that his father no longer lived to oppose their union.
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She was eighteen and adorable, but her mother would not hear to a betrothment.
Floyd Grandon's Honor Amanda Minnie Douglas 1873
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But you will understand -- I could not come any longer without explaining; and this time you allow young people -- betrothment -- looks so attractive.
A Little Girl in Old Boston Amanda Minnie Douglas 1873
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This was his betrothment and marriage to Marie Hélène, the daughter of
A Little Girl in Old Quebec Amanda Minnie Douglas 1873
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And when he gave her the kiss of betrothment her lips grew white.
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Then too, even as regards the story, Shakespeare varies from Whetstone much more materially than the latter does from Cinthio: representing the illicit meeting of Claudio and Juliet as taking place under the shield of a solemn betrothment; which very much lessens their fault, as marriage bonds were already upon them; and proportionably heightens Angelo's wickedness, as it brings on him the guilt of making the law responsible for his own arbitrary rigour.
Shakespeare His Life Art And Characters Hudson, H N 1872
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