affiance

[ uh-fahy-uhns ]

verb (used with object)

, af·fi·anced, af·fi·anc·ing.

1. to pledge by promise of marriage; betroth.

noun

, Archaic.

1. a pledging of faith, as a marriage contract.
2. trust; confidence; reliance.

affiance

/ əˈfaɪəns /

verb

1. tr to bind (a person or oneself) in a promise of marriage; betroth

noun

1. archaic.
   a solemn pledge, esp a marriage contract

Word History and Origins

Origin of affiance¹

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French afiance, equivalent to afi ( er ) to pledge faith, declare on oath, betroth (< Medieval Latin affīdāre, equivalent to ad- ad- + *fīdāre, for Latin fīdere to trust; confide ) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of affiance¹

C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin affīdāre to trust (oneself) to, from fīdāre to trust, from fīdus faithful

Example Sentences

William made use of Haralds compulsory sojourn to make him swear allegiance to him, and affiance him to his daughter.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not well done for a king to affiance himself to one woman when he already has another for his wife.

From Project Gutenberg

I protest I shall be proud to give you proof I hold a most religious affiance with your love.

From Project Gutenberg

He must put full affiance in God, and love Him supremely: and next, me; and below that, all other.

From Project Gutenberg

For an instant their looks fused and were lost in a passionate affiance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agreement
• assurance
• commitment
• guarantee
• obligation
• pact
• pledge
• vow
• word