handfasted
Bound by promise
Handfasted means joined in a betrothal or informal marriage ceremony.
Handfasting is an old practice, associated with Celtic and pagan traditions, where couples clasp hands and declare their commitment—sometimes for a trial period.
The term has been revived in modern neopagan and alternative wedding ceremonies: They were handfasted at sunset in the meadow.
Pledged devotion to authority
- chivalryKnightly code of honor
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- dowryMarital property transfer
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
manor · vassalage · knight · heraldry · pageantry · troth · lord · lady
Formal event marking occasions
- betrothalFormal marriage agreement
- trothPledged word of loyalty
- plightDifficult, dangerous situation
- nuptialsVows and rings
espousal · union · matrimony · ritual · banns · bride · groom · bridegroom
Joining into one
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
attachment · connection · commitment · togetherness · companionship · intimacy · trust · allegiance
Commitment to act
- oathFormal binding promise
- covenantBinding formal pledge
- declarationFormal public announcement
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
pledge · avowal · troth · word · assurance · proclamation · consent · agreement
Judicial examination of claims
- probationaryConditional on good performance
- renewableCapable of restoration
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
temporary · conditional · terminable · informal · customary · traditional
fealty
Pledged devotion to authority
- chivalryKnightly code of honor
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- dowryMarital property transfer
matchmaking · manor · vassalage · knight · heraldry · pageantry · troth · lord · lady · noble
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
nuptials · espousal · union · matrimony · ritual · banns · bride · groom · bridegroom · altar
union
Joining into one
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
devotion · attachment · connection · commitment · togetherness · companionship · intimacy · trust · allegiance · steadfastness
promise
Commitment to act
- oathFormal binding promise
- covenantBinding formal pledge
- declarationFormal public announcement
affirmation · pledge · avowal · troth · word · assurance · proclamation · consent · agreement · compact
trial
Judicial examination of claims
- probationaryConditional on good performance
- renewableCapable of restoration
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
provisional · temporary · conditional · terminable · informal · customary · traditional
handfastedunattached
Not joined or connected
single · unbetrothed · unmarried · uncommitted · unpartnered