The act of betrothing or promising to marry; formally pledging to become engaged.
From 'affiance' (to betroth), which comes from Old French 'affier' (to pledge faith), derived from Latin 'ad-' (to) and 'fidus' (faithful). The '-ing' form creates the present participle.
This beautiful old word for getting engaged reminds us that 'affiance' literally means 'to trust'—making a promise to marry was fundamentally an act of placing your faith in another person!
Gerund form; same gender history as base term.
Describe as mutual process; avoid language suggesting one party's unilateral authority.
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