Английский Этимологический словарь - wed

- O.E. weddian "to pledge, covenant to do something, marry," from P.Gmc. *wadjojanan. Sense remained "pledge" in other Gmc. languages (cf. Ger. Wette "bet, wager"); development to "marry" is unique to Eng. Wedding was O.E. weddung "state of being wed," but the O.E. word for the ceremony was bridelope, lit. "bridal run," in reference to conducting the bride to her new home.