'Betroth' definitions:

Definition of 'betroth'

verb

Give to in marriage [syn: betroth, engage, affiance, plight]

From: GCIDE

Betroth \Be*troth"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Betrothed; p. pr. & vb. n. Betrothing.] [Pref. be- + troth, i. e., truth. See Truth.]
1. To contract to any one for a marriage; to engage or promise in order to marriage; to affiance; -- used esp. of a woman. [1913 Webster]
He, in the first flower of my freshest age, Betrothed me unto the only heir. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
Ay, and we are betrothed. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. To promise to take (as a future spouse); to plight one's troth to. [1913 Webster]
What man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? --Deut. xx. 7. [1913 Webster]
3. To nominate to a bishopric, in order to consecration. --Ayliffe. [1913 Webster]

Betroth 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).