betrothal

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a formal agreement or mutual promise to marry; an engagement

   The royal family announced the couple's betrothal at a public ceremony.

2. 2
   noun

   the act or ceremony of promising two people in marriage

   Their betrothal joined two formerly hostile households.

Formed from betroth + -al. Betroth comes from Middle English bitreuthien, literally 'to pledge one's truth,' from be- + troth, the older noun meaning faith, loyalty, or a solemn promise.

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