betroth

[bih-trohth, -trawth]

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.

   Synonyms: plight, pledge, promise, engage

2. Archaic.,  to promise to marry.

betroth

/ bɪˈtrəʊð /

verb

1. archaic,  (tr) to promise to marry or to give in marriage

Word History and Origins

Origin of betroth¹

1275–1325; Middle English betrouthe, variant of betreuthe ( be- be- + treuthe truth; troth )

Word History and Origins

Origin of betroth¹

C14 betreuthen , from _be- + treuthe _troth , _truth

Example Sentences

Sánchez has talents apart from her betrothed, too.

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The masque, performed by gentle spirits, enchants the betrothed.

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Was he supposed to be betrothed to him forever, and be a mantlepiece for folk music until his death?

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Just months ago, Ashanti confirmed that she and the “Hot in Herre” rapper, 49, were betrothed and expecting their first child together.

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The year after she married, Andrej was betrothed to a clerk’s daughter; he later married her and became a Lutheran priest.

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