betroth

[bih-trohth , -trawth] /bɪˈtroʊð, -ˈtrɔθ/
verb (used with object)
1.
to arrange for the marriage of; affiance (usually used in passive constructions):
The couple was betrothed with the approval of both families.
2.
Archaic. to promise to marry.
Origin
1275-1325; Middle English betrouthe, variant of betreuthe (be- be- + treuthe truth; see troth)
Synonyms
1. engage, promise, pledge, plight.
British Dictionary definitions for betroth

betroth

/bɪˈtrəʊð/
verb
1.
(transitive) (archaic) to promise to marry or to give in marriage
Word Origin
C14 betreuthen, from be- + treuthetroth, truth
Word Origin and History for betroth
v.

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.

betroth in the Bible

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).