banns

[bænz]

banns Definition

a public announcement, made in church before a wedding, of an intended marriage between two specified people..

Using banns: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "banns" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The banns were read out in church for three consecutive Sundays.

  • Example

    The couple had to wait until the banns had been published before they could get married.

  • Example

    The priest asked if anyone knew of any reason why the banns should not be read.

banns Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with banns

  • to announce a forthcoming marriage in church

    Example

    The couple called the banns and invited all their friends and family to the wedding.

  • to prevent a marriage from taking place by objecting to the announcement of the banns

    Example

    The bride's father tried to forbid the banns, but he was overruled by the priest.

  • a type of marriage ceremony where the banns are read out in church before the wedding takes place

    Example

    They decided to have a marriage by banns because it was more traditional.

Origins of banns

from Old English 'bannan', meaning 'to summon'

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Summary: banns in Brief

'Banns' [bænz] are a public announcement made in church before a wedding, declaring the intended marriage between two specific individuals. It is a traditional practice that involves reading out the announcement for three consecutive Sundays. Phrases like 'call the banns' and 'forbid the banns' are used to describe the process of announcing or objecting to the banns.