Gretna Green marriage

noun

, British Informal.

1. marriage without parental consent; elopement.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gretna Green marriage¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

In 1827, at the Kent Assizes, a Gretna Green marriage was the subject of a curious trial before Mr Baron Hullock.

From Project Gutenberg

A Gretna Green marriage with an heiress, while he was yet a minor, is characteristic of his impetuous temperament, as is also a duel which he fought with a Mr Beaumont in 1820 during the heat of an election contest.

From Project Gutenberg