BETROTHMENT

A mutual compact between two parties, by which they bind themselves to marry. Be-. the Roman law, as it that of various continental countries. In Germany, betrothments are either public, with the consent of reul presence of witne es: or private (clandestine), which in some countries are void. — in others, although valid as contracts, punishable as misdemeanors. Public betrothment induces the obligation to marry. But according to modem practice an action for damages is almost the only way of enforcing it; a small fine or imprisonment utmost criminal penalty for the violation of the ment. BETULACEjB. (Betula, one of the genera.) A small natural order of plants, containing the birch, after which it nam '.and the common alder. The order formed p irt i if what were formerly called Amentaeem. [s. 157]