wedlock

[ wed-lok ]

noun

1. the state of marriage; matrimony.

wedlock

/ ˈwɛdlɒk /

noun

1. the state of being married
2. born out of wedlock
   born when one's parents are not legally married

Word History and Origins

Origin of wedlock¹

before 1100; Middle English wedlok, Old English wedlāc literally, a pledging, equivalent to wed pledge ( wed ) + -lāc verbal noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of wedlock¹

Old English wedlāc, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity, perhaps from lāc game, battle (related to Gothic laiks dance, Old Norse leikr )

Idioms and Phrases

see out of wedlock .

Example Sentences

Women brought the victims to her, babies born out of wedlock, perhaps one too many for a household or the mother too young.

From Los Angeles Times

A small-town kid born out of wedlock, he moved from the rustic countryside of Vinci, 30 miles west of Florence, to the sophisticated city to make his way.

From Los Angeles Times

But he was instead mired in scandal, including mounting debts and lawsuits and backlash from two children born out of wedlock.

From Los Angeles Times

He faced mounting costs for legal fees, spousal support and payments for children he fathered out of wedlock.

From Los Angeles Times

Catherine gave birth in an orphanage in Dublin and, because of attitudes at the time about children born out of wedlock, she was coerced into giving Gladys up for adoption.

From BBC