marry

Where does the word "marry" come from? It comes from Latin maritare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Marry’s story begins in Latin: maritare meant “to wed.” From 'maritus', husband. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as marier. The same root as 'marriage'. It reached English by 1300s as marry. The old oath 'marry!' is a mild form of 'by Mary'. Today, marry means to become someone's husband or wife.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient maritare "to wed", from 'maritus', husband.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval marier "to marry", the same root as 'marriage'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s marry "to wed", the old oath 'marry!' is a mild form of 'by Mary'.