breach of promise

noun

, Law.

1. a violation of one's promise, especially of a promise to marry a specific person.

breach of promise

noun

1. law (formerly) failure to carry out one's promise to marry

Word History and Origins

Origin of breach of promise¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

He's the lawyer retained by General Hastings in the matter of a certain breach-of-promise suit.

From Project Gutenberg

This was in 1632, and is undoubtedly the first breach-of-promise case that had occurred in the colony.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm no breach-of-promise lady—Chops and tomato sauce indeed!

From Project Gutenberg

That belongs to yellow-backed penny-dreadfuls and Sunday supplement tales of breach-of-promise suits.

From Project Gutenberg

David, old boy, this picture would make a good exhibit in a breach-of-promise suit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• breach of trust