To promise "by one's truth." Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed (Deuteronomy 28:30; Judges 14:2, 8; Matthew 1:18-21). The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people (Hosea 2:19, 20).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To engage or promise in marriage; to affiance; -- used esp. of a woman.

2. (v. t.) To promise to take (as a future spouse); to plight one's troth to.

3. (v. t.) To nominate to a bishopric, in order to consecration.