Also -arration. [ad. med.L. subarr(h)ātio, -ōnem, n. of action f. subarr(h)āre, f. sub- SUB- 1 g + arr(h)a pledge.] An ancient form of betrothal in which pledges in the form of money, rings, etc., were bestowed by the man upon the woman.
a. 1623. Swinburne, Treat. Spousals (1686), 207. Forasmuch as Subarration, that is the giving and receiving of a Ring, is a sign of all others, most usual in Spousals and Matrimonial Contracts.
1710. Wheatly, Bk. Com. Prayer, x. § 5 (1720), 407. And by these Tokens of Spousage are to be understood Rings, or Money, or some other things to be given to the Woman by the Man; which said giving is called Subarration.
1839. Palmer, Orig. Liturg., II. 211. Subarrhation.
