preengage

or pre-en·gage

[pree-en-geyj]

See more synonyms for preengage on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with or without object), pre·en·gaged, pre·en·gag·ing.

to engage beforehand.
to put under obligation, especially to marry, by a prior engagement.
to win the favor or attention of beforehand: Other matters preengaged him.

Origin of preengage

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- + engage

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for pre-engaged

retain, secure, hire, organize, schedule, enter, employ, join, immerse, preoccupy, undertake, involve, arrest, interest, participate, catch, fascinate, engage, contract, book

Examples from the Web for pre-engaged

Historical Examples of pre-engaged

If you are not pre-engaged, therefore, I would gladly tell you what is on my mind.
The Duchess of Trajetto
Anne Manning
Were they not Arthurs people, pre-engaged to their own pastor?
Salem Chapel, v. 2/2
Mrs. Oliphant
She always had a nosegay for the German, and a partner who had pre-engaged her.
The Adventures of a Widow
Edgar Fawcett
I told them I was pre-engaged, and endeavoured to apologise.
The Worlds Greatest Books
Arthur Mee, J. A. Hammerton, Eds.
Is this story about pre-engaged affections merely a got up thing, to try the force of my attachment for her?
The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Complete
Charles James Lever (1806-1872)