also 6 affyaunse, affiaunce. [a. OFr. afiance-r, f. afiance: see prec.]
1. To promise (anything) solemnly, to pledge.
1523. Skelton, Garl. Laurel, 545. Affyaunsynge her myne hole assuraunce.
2. esp. To promise solemnly in marriage; to betroth, to engage. Commonly in the passive.
1555. Fardle of Facions, II. xii. 288. Aftre that he [the Prieste] affiaunceth them both with one ringe.
1603. Shaks., Meas. for M., V. i. 227. I am affianced this mans wife, as strongly As words could make vp vowes.
1627. Lisander & Cal., V. 87. Argire … determined to affiance her selfe unto him.
1769. Robertson, Chas. V., III. X. 210. To affiance their young Queen to his son the Dauphin.
1847. Disraeli, Tancred, VI. vii. (1871), 452. Tancred was affianced to the daughter of Besso.
