affiance

[uh-fahy-uhns]

verb (used with object)

affianced, affiancing 

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

The “Beast Games” host, 26, who is the most-subscribed-to YouTuber, proposed to his girlfriend of two years on Christmas Day and revealed on New Year’s Day that they were affianced.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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