<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">betrothals</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>rites of passage</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>betrothal</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>betrothed</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>engagement</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>engagements</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>espousals</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>plightings of troth</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ The actions, rites, ceremonies, or agreements surrounding a formal arrangement between a man and a woman to marry at some future time. An engagement or betrothal is a promise to wed, and also the period of time between a marriage proposal and a marriage which may be lengthy or trivial. ]]></note></mads>