vbl. sb. [f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of giving a pledge or engagement to marry; affiancing. Also fig.
c. 1315. Shoreham, 59. Wythoute speche and by-treuthynge, And alle manere othe.
1552. Huloet, Betroughthyng, or plyghtynge of troughth betwene man and wyfe.
a. 1639. W. Whateley, Prototypes, II. xxxiv. (1640), 158. Betrothing is nothing but a serious promise of future marriage.
1805. Scott, Last Minstrel, V. xxvi. For this is your betrothing day.
