breach of promise

Definitions

1. 1

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see breach, promise.

   • 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.
2. 2

   A tort in common law arising when a man withdraws an earlier promise to marry a woman

   A tort in common law arising when a man withdraws an earlier promise to marry a woman; abolished in many jurisdictions.

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

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