betrothment

But, although Richard's regard for the sacred season of Lent would not allow of his celebrating the marriage, he made a grand celebration in honor of his betrothment to Berengaria before he sailed.

From Richard I Makers of History by Jacob Abbott

The occasion, on the particular January day mentioned above, was the betrothment of one of the house-maidens to a young farm-servant of the establishment.

From Feats on the Fiord The third book in "The Playfellow" by Harriet Martineau

Wouldst thou know the hour of thy betrothment?

From The Faithful Promiser by John R. (John Ross) Macduff

Con′tract, an agreement on fixed terms: a bond: a betrothment: the writing containing an agreement.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

It was subsequently explained by a protector, that these were women who had daughters betrothed to the men of their tribe, and that during the period of betrothment the mothers are always thus rigidly veiled.

From Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. With an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed During The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in the Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Also a Narrative Of Captain Owen Stanley's Visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. by John Lort Stokes