handfasting
Britishnoun
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an archaic word for betrothal
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(formerly) a kind of trial marriage marked by the formal joining of hands
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a contemporary pagan (esp Wiccan) marriage ceremony
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stuart Beauchamp, 49, and his wife Anna Stevens, 44, took part in a handfasting ceremony, where their wrists were tied together to declare their commitment.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2023
In 1970, the rocker and journalist exchanged vows in what was called a "handfasting ceremony," which included drops of their own blood.
From Fox News ● Aug. 5, 2021
As a believer in Celtic witchcraft, for Patricia, the handfasting ceremony with Morrison was spiritually binding.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2021
Overnight he had also carried out around a dozen "handfasting" ceremonies – the pagan equivalent of weddings.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 21, 2013
In Scotland there was indeed a sort of trial marriage, known as "handfasting," by which the parties might live together for a year and a day and then continue as married or separate.
From The Age of the Reformation by Preserved Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
