See Also: Wedlock(medicine)
wedlock(dictionary)
wedlock(dictionary)

wedlock (iou)



wedlock noun & verb. LOE.
[from WED noun + -LOCK.]
A. noun.
The marriage vow or obligation. Chiefly in phrs. below. LOE-E17.
break one's wedlock, break wedlock commit adultery. hold wedlock, keep wedlock be faithful in marriage.
The condition of being married; marriage as a state of life or as an institution; (a) matrimonial relationship. Now chiefly literary & formal exc. in born in wedlock, born out of wedlock below. ME.
born in wedlock born of parents married to each other, legitimate. born out of wedlock born of parents not married to each other, illegitimate.
J. Fletcher 'Tis sacriledge to violate a wedlock. Guardian Wedlock is..accepted as socially tidier.
A wife. M16-L17.
Comb.: wedlock-bound adjective (rare, Milton) bound in marriage.
B. verb trans. Unite in marriage. Usu. in pass. rare. M17-M18.