wedlock

Noun

Synonyms: marriage matrimony union spousal relationship

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)“a long and happy marriage”“God bless this union”Synonyms: marriage matrimony union spousal relationship

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Wedlock \Wed"lock\, n. [AS. wedl[=a]c a pledge, be trothal; wedd a pledge + l[=a]c a gift, an offering. See Wed, n., and cf. Lake, v. i., Knowledge.] [1913 Webster]

1.The ceremony, or the state, of marriage; matrimony. "That blissful yoke . . . that men clepeth [call] spousal, or wedlock." --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

For what is wedlock forced but a hell, An age of discord or continual strife?— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.A wife; a married woman. [Obs.] --B. Jonson. [1913 Webster]

Syn: See Marriage. [1913 Webster]

Wedlock \Wed"lock\, v. t. To marry; to unite in marriage; to wed. [R.] "Man thus wedlocked." --Milton. [1913 Webster]