Ketubahs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A ceremonial text that outlines the duties and rights of partners in a Jewish marriage
2. A formal agreement that establishes the financial and social responsibilities between spouses in Jewish tradition
3. A traditional document detailing the commitments and obligations agreed upon by a couple entering a Jewish marriage

Etymology: "Ketubahs" is the plural of "ketubah," a noun borrowed from Hebrew, where "k'tubá" means "writing" or "that which is written." The plural follows the English pattern of adding an "s," so it refers to more than one of these marriage documents. The word is used for the marriage contract itself. In traditional Jewish practice, the ketubah sets out the obligations a husband takes on toward his wife, along with the rights she is entitled to, and it is read and signed as part of the wedding ceremony. Its name comes from the root meaning "to write," which is also the source of the Hebrew word for a written text in general.

Synonyms: marriage contracts