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.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From New York Times