wedlock

/ˈwɛd.lɒk/

UK: /ˈwɛd.lɑk/

WƐD · lɒk (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 24,639

Definition

The state of being married.

Etymology

From Middle English wedlok, wedlocke (“wedlock, marriage, matrimony”), from Old English wedlāc (“marriage vow, pledge, plighted troth, wedlock”). By surface analysis, wed + -lock.

Example Sentences

"If I were about to marry, I should try it; that is, if I were a student of girldom with a view to wedlock for in truth, I am a marrying man."
"Nothing Jesus Christ more quemeth (pleaseth) Than love in wedlock where men it yemeth (keepeth);"
"that lovely payre, / Enlincked fast in wedlockes loyall bond, / Bold Marinell with Florimell the fayre […]"