shadchan

American  

[shaht-khuhn, shaht-khahn] / ˈʃɑt xən, ʃɑtˈxɑn /

noun

Yiddish and Hebrew.

plural

shadchanim,

plural

shadchans

1. shadkhan.

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shadchan British  

/ ˈʃatxən, ʃɑdˈxɑn /

noun

1. a Jewish marriage broker

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Etymology

Origin of shadchan

from Hebrew shadhkhān, from shiddēkh to arrange a marriage

Example Sentences

Ruth shyly told the shadchan: "I'd be greatly honored if he would accept me as his wife."

From Time Magazine Archive

Many a marriageable maiden who came to view the trousseau went home to prink and blush and watch for the shadchan.

From The Promised Land by Antin, Mary

My mother ran away every time the shadchan came, and she begged to be left as she was, and cried, and invoked her mother's support.

From The Promised Land by Antin, Mary

Hannah Hayye, the only daughter of Raphael the Russian, going on sixteen, buxom, bright, capable, and well educated, could not escape the eye of the shadchan.

From The Promised Land by Antin, Mary

Her parents are pleased with the son-in-law proposed by the shadchan, and now, at the last, the girl is brought in, to be examined and appraised by the prospective parents-in-law.

From The Promised Land by Antin, Mary