betroth

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to formally promise someone in marriage or become formally engaged to marry

   The two families planned to betroth their heirs when both reached adulthood.

Simplified etymology

Betroth dates from Middle English and preserves troth, an old variant of truth meaning “giving your word.” Its association with marriage reflects the solemn promise expressed in plighting one’s troth.

From Middle English bitrouthen, formed with be- from troth 'faith, pledged word, promise of marriage'. Troth descends from Old English treowth 'faithfulness, truth', so to betroth someone is historically to bind them by a pledge.

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