Third person singular present tense of betroth; he, she, or it formally engages someone to marry.
From 'betroth' plus the third person singular present suffix '-s,' a regular verb conjugation in English dating to Old English.
Even in our modern world with dating apps and casual relationships, the verb 'betroths' still appears in wedding ceremonies and literary contexts, making it a ghost word from older cultures.
Verb form 'betroths' typically masculine subject (he betroths) and feminine object (her), codifying gendered power relations in marriage contracts.
Use symmetrical structures: 'They betroth each other' rather than one betrothing another. Or use alternatives for modern contexts.
["mutually pledge","jointly commit","consensually agree"]
Women's historical role as passive objects in betrothal language reflected their legal non-personhood in marriage; modern usage should restore agency.
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