King James Bible Dictionary

Frequently used in the ordinary sense (Isaiah 49:18; 61:10, etc.). The relation between Christ and his church is set forth under the figure of that between a bridegroom and bride (John 3:29). The church is called "the bride" (Revelation 21:9; 22:17). Compare parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).

Ornaments of
Isaiah 49:18; Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 2:32; Revelation 21:2

Presents to
Genesis 24:53

Maids of
Genesis 24:59; Genesis 24:61; Genesis 29:24; Genesis 29:29

Figurative
Psalms 45:10-17; Ezekiel 16:8-14; Revelation 19:7-8; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9; Revelation 22:17

BRIDE, noun

1. A woman new married.

But the name is applied to a woman at the marriage festival, before she is married, as well as after the ceremony.

2. A woman espoused, or contracted to be married. The case of Lewellyn, prince of Wales. Henry's Hist.of Britain, B.iv.ch.i., sect.2. [This is the true original sense of the word.]

[MARRIAGE]

BRI'DECAKE, noun [bride and cake.] The cake which is made for the guests at a wedding; called, in the U. States, wedding cake.

BRI'DECHAMBER, noun The nuptial apartment. Matthew 9:15.

Ornaments of
Isaiah 61:10

Exempt from military duty
Deuteronomy 24:5

Companions of
Judges 14:11

Joy with
Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35

Parable of
Matthew 25:1-13

Song of
Song of Solomon 4:7-16

Figurative
Ezekiel 16:8-14

BRI'DEGROOM, noun A man newly married; or a man about to be married. The passage of Shakespeare cited by Johnson proves that the last definition is just.

As are those dulcet sounds in break of day,

That creep into the dreaming bridegroom's ear,

And summon him to marriage.

BRI'DEGROOM, noun [See bridegroom ]

BRI'DEMAN, noun [bride and man.] A man who attends upon a bridegroom and bride at their marriage. I have generally heard these words pronounced bride's man and bride's maid.

BRI'DERBED, noun [bride and bed.] The marriage bed.

BRI'DERMAID, noun [bride and maid.] A woman who attends on a bride at her wedding.

BRI'DESTAKE, noun A stake or post set in the ground to dance round.

BRI'DEWELL, noun A house of correction, for the confinement of disorderly persons; so called from the palace built near St. Bride's or Bridget's well, in London, which was turned into a workhouse.