Definition

1. Noun (plural): A formal public announcement, typically made in a church on three successive Sundays, of an intended marriage. The purpose is to allow anyone with legal objections to the marriage to come forward.

Usage

• The word is almost always used in its plural form "banns" and is typically preceded by the definite article "the."
• It is commonly used with verbs like "publish," "read," "call," or "ask."
• It refers to a specific, traditional legal or religious procedure, not a general announcement.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The couple had their banns published last Sunday.
  • According to the old law, they had to wait for the banns to be read three times before they could marry.
  • No one objected during the calling of the banns.

Advanced Usage

• "to forbid the banns": To formally object to a proposed marriage during the announcement period.
  • In the historical drama, a mysterious stranger stood up to forbid the banns.

Variants and Related Words

• Banns of marriage: A fuller, more formal term for the same concept.
  • The reading of the banns of marriage is a tradition in many parishes.

Synonyms

• Marriage announcement: A more general term for announcing a wedding, but without the specific legal/ecclesiastical connotation of "banns."
• Proclamation of marriage: A formal synonym.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• To publish/ask/call/read the banns: The standard collocations for making the announcement.
  • The vicar will publish the banns for the next three weeks.
• To have one's banns called: To be the subject of this announcement.
  • They had their banns called in both of their home parishes.

Noun

1. a public announcement of a proposed marriage