verb (used with object)
- to arrange for the marriage of; affiance (usually used in passive constructions): The couple was betrothed with the approval of both families.
- Archaic. to promise to marry.
verb
- (tr) archaic to promise to marry or to give in marriage
c.1300, betrouthen, from bi-, here probably with a sense of “thoroughly,” + Middle English treowðe “truth,” from Old English treowðe “truth, a pledge” (see troth). Related: Betrothed; betrothing.