verb

betroth

bih-TROHTH/bɪˈtroʊð/

To promise someone in marriage.

The man betroths himself to his partner as she accepts his engagement ring.

A marriage pledge shown through an accepted engagement: a man kneels before his similarly aged partner and slides an engagement ring onto her extended left ring finger.

Etymology

Troth belongs with truth in its older sense of faithfulness or a pledge, rather than factual correctness. With be- probably meaning “thoroughly,” betroth makes that pledge specifically a promise of marriage.

In context

Royal Tales75:57

His Majesty originally intended to betroth me to the heir of Prince Jinbei? If it weren't for my aunt, Consort Ru, offending His Majesty, the imperial decree of marriage would have been handed to me.

I Was Ruined and Reborn in Shame, So I Used My Infamy to Rise and Make a Prince Marry Me

More examples

The prince was betrothed to a neighboring ruler's daughter.
They became betrothed before he left on his journey.
The ceremony publicly betroths the couple.

Forms

betroth · betroths · betrothed · betrothing

betrothal noun — A formal promise of marriage.

Similar words

engage: The usual modern term for promising to marry.
marry: Establishes the marriage rather than the promise beforehand.