Banns
[bænz]
Definition
(n. pl.) Notice of a proposed marriage, proclaimed in a church, or other place prescribed by law, in order that any person may object, if he knows of just cause why the marriage should not take place.
Editor: Rebekah
Definition
n.pl. a proclamation of marriage.—To forbid the banns to make formal objection to a projected marriage.
Editor: Samantha
Examples
- I conceived the idea that the time when the banns were read and when the clergyman said, Ye are now to declare it! Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- Well, he would about have matched that woman's face, when she said, 'I forbid the banns. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- I can never forget those banns. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- The last time one of us was there was when neighbour Fairway went in the fall; and that was the day you forbad the banns, Mrs. Yeobright. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- And the next thing I heard was, 'I forbid the banns,' from her. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Jeremiah then says to me, “As to banns, next Sunday being the third time of asking (for I've put 'em up a fortnight), is my reason for naming Monday. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- To my thinking, she's just as much married as if the banns had been read in all the churches in London. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- I didn't know the two had walked together since last fall, when her aunt forbad the banns. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- After once forbidding the banns I think I can do no less. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
Typist: Morton