affiance

[ uh-fahy-uhns ]

verb (used with object)

, af·fi·anced, af·fi·anc·ing.

1. to pledge by promise of marriage; betroth.

noun

, Archaic.

1. a pledging of faith, as a marriage contract.
2. trust; confidence; reliance.

affiance

/ əˈfaɪəns /

verb

1. tr to bind (a person or oneself) in a promise of marriage; betroth

noun

1. archaic.
   a solemn pledge, esp a marriage contract

Word History and Origins

Origin of affiance¹

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French afiance, equivalent to afi ( er ) to pledge faith, declare on oath, betroth (< Medieval Latin affīdāre, equivalent to ad- ad- + *fīdāre, for Latin fīdere to trust; confide ) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of affiance¹

C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin affīdāre to trust (oneself) to, from fīdāre to trust, from fīdus faithful

Example Sentences

However, usually the affianced couple can stick it out long enough to break up in private once the show is completely done.

From Salon

And while their young affianced status sparked a wave of “She’s 19” thoughts and opinions — aimed at the couple being too young to take such a leap — the star addressed the backlash months later.

From Los Angeles Times

Cyrus made their relationship Instagram-official in November, and in late April, she announced they were affianced.

From Los Angeles Times

When he notes that a sensuous prose stylist “wants subject and style to be allied and affianced,” he reenacts the very resonances he praises.

From Washington Post

Machine Gun Kelly proposed to Fox in January 2022, after which the affianced couple allegedly drank each other’s blood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agreement
• assurance
• commitment
• guarantee
• obligation
• pact
• pledge
• vow
• word