betroth

views updated Jun 11 2018

be·troth / bəˈtrō[voicedth]; -ˈtrô[unvoicedth]/ • v. [tr.] (usu. be betrothed) dated enter into a formal agreement to marry: soon I shall be betrothed to Isabel [as n.] (betrothed) how long have you known your betrothed? DERIVATIVES: be·troth·al / -əl/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

betroth

views updated May 14 2018

betroth engage with promise to marry. XIV. ME. betrouthen, f. BE- + trouthe TRUTH, later assim. to TROTH.
Hence betrothal XIX; see -AL2.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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betroth

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