Obs. [See BAN, BANNS.] A proclamation of a marriage; a prelude of a play. In the latter sense more freq. in pl. banes, now BANNS.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 22. Bane of a pley (1499 or mariage), Banna, coragium (1499 preludium).
1483. Cath. Angl., 20. Bane (v.r. Bayne) of a play; preludium, proludium.
