To run away secretly to get married, usually without the parents' permission or knowledge.
Origin uncertain; possibly from Middle Dutch 'ontlopen' (to run away). Used in English since the 1600s specifically for secret marriages. May derive from the idea of a couple absconding together.
Eloping was historically how young lovers rebelled against arranged marriages—imagine the drama of secretly running away in the 1700s when your parents had already chosen your spouse!
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