breach of promise

Definitions

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see breach, promise.
   countable, uncountable
2. A tort in common law arising when a man withdraws an earlier promise to marry a woman; abolished in many jurisdictions.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“In all such cases, the wrongful act, is the refusal to pay⟳ the money, according to promise⟳; and this breach of promise⟳, is laid in what is called the common breach or conclusion, at the end⟳ of the whole declaration.”

“But suppose⟳ an agreement to marry⟳ made by a man in Scotland with a minor lady in England, would we decern for damages for breach of promise⟳ in such a case?”

“A ‘breach of promise⟳’ case being 'played out in the courts' was covered over three consecutive days and given substantial prominence especially on the commercial channels' bulletins (this was the last⟳ ‘breach of promise⟳ case’ in the state of Victoria, which may account for the sustained coverage).”

“Nevertheless, pointing a finger at young men and punishing them with breach-of-promise lawsuits did little to address the problem of fallen women.”

CEFR level