a mutual promise or compact between two parties for a future marriage. The word imports, as much as giving one's troth; that is, true faith, or promise. Among the ancient Jews, the bethrothing was performed either by a writing, or by a piece of silver given to the bride. After the marriage was contracted, the young people had the liberty of seeing each other, which was not allowed them before. If, after the betrothment, the bride should trespass against that fidelity she owed to her bridegroom she was treated as an adulteress. See MARRIAGE .