Definitions

1. Verb (archaic): To return betrothal gifts (as a formal act of divorce). This term specifically refers to the historical practice of a wife formally ending her marriage by returning the gifts received during the engagement or wedding ceremonies to her husband's family.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sau khi quyết định ly hôn, bà đã giả của cho nhà chồng. (After deciding to divorce, she returned the betrothal gifts to her husband's family.)
  • Theo tục lệ xưa, việc giả của là thủ tục cần thiết để chấm dứt hôn nhân. (According to old customs, returning the gifts was a necessary procedure to terminate a marriage.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• This term is archaic and is primarily found in historical texts, literature, or discussions about traditional customs. It is not used in modern legal or everyday language regarding divorce.
• The act of giả của was a significant social and ritual gesture, symbolizing the formal and complete dissolution of the marital bond and the associated agreements between the two families.

Variants and Related Words

• Trả của (archaic): A synonym with the same meaning (to return the goods/property).
• Ly hôn (modern): The modern, general term for "to divorce." This is the standard word used today.
• Hủy hôn: To break off an engagement (before marriage).

Synonyms

• Trả lại sính lễ (archaic): To return the betrothal presents. This is a more descriptive synonym.
• Ly dị (formal/modern): To divorce.

Important Note

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically associated with this archaic term. Its usage is fixed in the historical context described.