Banns

[L. Lat. banni, banna, from Sax. ban, a public notice.] The public proclamation which the law of England requires of the intention of parties to enter into the marriage covenant.

Stat. 4 Geo. IV. c. 76. 2 Steph. Com. 286, et seq.

Bract. fol.

307 b.

The proclamation must be made in church, on three successive Sundays, during the time of the celebration of public worship, when it is presumed that the whole parish is present. The banns however may be dispensed with, by special license. P. Cyclopaedia.

2 Steph. Com. ub. sup.

A similar publication is required by law in several of the United States.