Betroth

To promise “by one’s truth.” Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed (Deut. 28:30; Judg. 14:2, 8; Matt. 1:18-21). The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people (Hos. 2:19, 20).

BETROTH' Deut 28:30. A man and woman were betrothed or espoused each to the other when they were engaged to be married. It is giving one's troth — i.e. faith or promise — to marry at a future time. Among the Jews this relation was usually determined by the parents or brothers, without consulting the parties until they came to be betrothed. The engagement took place very early, though it was not consummated by actual marriage until the spouse was at least twelve years of age. The betrothing was performed a twelvemonth or more before the marriage, either in writing or by a piece of silver given to the espoused before witnesses. During the interval, however, from the time of espousals to the marriage, the woman was considered as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed; nor could the engagement be ended by the man without a bill of divorce; nor could she be unfaithful without being considered an adulteress. See Marriage.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To contract to any one for a marriage; to engage or promise in order to marriage; to affiance; -- used esp. of a woman. He, in the first flower of my freshest age, Betrothed me unto the only heir. Spenser. Ay, and we are betrothed. Shak.

2. To promise to take (as a future spouse); to plight one's troth to. What man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her Deut. xx. 7.

3. To nominate to a bishopric, in order to consecration. Ayliffe.