verb. (old colloquial).—To marry; TO HITCH (q.v.); TO SPLICE (q.v.). Hence A KNOT TIED WITH THE TONGUE THAT CANNOT BE UNTIED WITH THE TEETH = matrimony.
1619. FLETCHER, The Wild-Goose Chase, iv. 1.
| Only, I heartily desire this courtesy … | |
| This day, to see you TIED, then no more trouble you. |
1668. ETHEREGE, She Would if She Could, i. 1. Sir Oliv. Well, a pox of this TYING men and women together, for better or worse.
Also PHRASES AND COLLOQUIALISMS: e.g., TO TIE ONE’S HAIR (or WOOL) = to puzzle (tailors’); TO TIE UP = (1) to forswear: e.g., TO TIE UP PRIGGING = to lead an honest life (thieves’); and (2) = to knock out (pugilists’); TIED-UP = (1) finished, settled; (2) = costive.
See APRON-STRINGS; RIDE; SAINT.
