wedlock

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

Etymology

From Middle English wedlok, wedlocke (“wedlock, marriage, matrimony”), from Old English wedlāc (“marriage vow, pledge, plighted troth, wedlock”). By surface analysis, wed + -lock.

In classic literature

Synonyms

marriage, matrimony, union, spousal relationship

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