Etymology

speak now or forever hold your peace

Today it means: Traditionally spoken during a wedding ceremony to allow guests an opportunity to voice any objections to the union. Full definition →

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The story

Originates from the 1549 Book of Common Prayer. The original wording is: "Therefore if any man can ſhewe any iuste cauſe why they maie not lawfully be ioyned ſo together: Leat him now ſpeake, or els hereafter for euer hold his peace."

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.