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
This consisted of "handfasting" and the exchange of something, even if only a kiss, to bind the bargain.
From Women of England by James, Bartlett Burleigh
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.
