hedge-marriage

A young couple has a hedge-marriage in a quiet garden.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A secret or clandestine marriage: "hedge-marriage" refers to a marriage conducted in secrecy, often without proper legal or religious authorization, typically performed in a hidden or informal setting (such as under a hedge). This term is archaic and historically associated with elopements or unions that avoided official scrutiny.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The young couple, fearing their families' disapproval, arranged a hedge-marriage in the woods at dawn. (A secret wedding conducted away from public view.)
  • In the 18th century, a hedge-marriage was sometimes the only option for lovers from different social classes. (A clandestine union performed without formal rites.)

Advanced Usage

• "to contract a hedge-marriage": to enter into a secret or irregular marriage.
  • They contracted a hedge-marriage to escape the constraints of their parents' authority. (They secretly married to avoid parental control.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hedge-priest (n): an unlicensed or itinerant clergyman, often one who performed hedge-marriages.

  • The hedge-priest officiated the hedge-marriage for a small fee. (A priest without official standing who conducted secret weddings.)

• Hedge-school (n): an informal, often secret school in rural areas (historically in Ireland).

  • The hedge-school teacher also served as a witness to many hedge-marriages. (An informal educator involved in clandestine unions.)

Synonyms

• Clandestine marriage: a marriage kept secret or hidden.
• Elopement: a marriage performed quickly and secretly, often without parental consent.
• Secret wedding: a ceremony conducted without public knowledge.

Related Idioms

• To marry under the hedge: an archaic phrase meaning to enter into a hedge-marriage.
  • They chose to marry under the hedge rather than face family opposition. (They opted for a secret wedding.)