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betroth

 - 4 dictionary results

be⋅troth

  [bi-trohth, -trawth]
Use betroth in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to arrange for the marriage of; affiance (usually used in passive constructions): The couple was betrothed with the approval of both families.
2. Archaic. to promise to marry.
Origin:
1275–1325; ME betrouthe, var. of betreuthe (be- be- + treuthe truth; see troth )

Synonyms:
1. engage, promise, pledge, plight.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To betroth
be·troth   (bĭ-trōth', -trôth')   
tr.v.   be·trothed, be·troth·ing, be·troths

  1. To promise to give in marriage: was betrothed to a member of the royal family.

  2. Archaic To promise to marry.


[Middle English bitrouthen : bi-, be- + trouth, troth (from Old English trēowth; see deru- in Indo-European roots).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

betroth 
1303, betrouthen, from bi- "thoroughly" + O.E. treowðe "truth, a pledge" (see troth).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Bible Dictionary

Betroth

to promise "by one's truth." Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed (Deut. 28:30; Judg. 14:2, 8; Matt. 1:18-21). The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people (Hos. 2:19, 20).

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
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