: public announcement especially in church of a proposed marriage

Word History

Etymology

Middle English banes, banns, plural of ban, bane "proclamation by an authority, announcement in church of a proposed marriage" — more at ban entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banns was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near banns

Cite this Entry

“Banns.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banns. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

banns

plural noun
: public announcement especially in church of a proposed marriage

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