banns

plural noun

ˈbanz 

: 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

Kids Definition

banns

plural noun

ˈbanz 

: public announcement especially in church of a proposed marriage