BETROTHMENT

A mutual compact between two parties, by which they bind themselves to marry. Betrothraent was a legal contract by the Roman law, as it now is in that of various continental countries. In Germany, betrothments are either public, with the consent of relations an'd 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 modern practice an action for damages is almost the only way of enforcing it; a small fine or imprisonment being the utmost criminal penalty for the violation of the engagement. BETULACEiE. (Betula, one of the genera.) A small natural order of plants, containing the birch, after which it takes its name, and the common alder. The order formed part of what were formerly called Amen.^ tacecB. [s. 156]