betroth Meaning, Definition & Usage

Be*troth" transitive verb

Etymology

Pref. be- + troth, i. e., truth. See Truth.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Betrothed present participle & verbal noun Betrothing

Definitions

1. To contract to any one for a marriage; to engage or promise in order to marriage; to affiance; -- used esp. of a woman.

   He, in the first flower of my freshest age, Betrothed me unto the only heir. Spenser.

   Ay, and we are betrothed. Shak.

2. To promise to take (as a future spouse); to plight one's troth to.

   What man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? Deut. xx. 7.

3. To nominate to a bishopric, in order to consecration. Ayliffe.