wed·lock \ˈwedˌläk\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English wedlac, wedlok, from Old English wedlāc, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity, probably from lāc warlike activity, play — more at wed, lake (amusement) 1.obsolete: the marriage bond or contract 2. a.: the state of being married : marriage, matrimony < where love cannot be, there can be left of wedlock nothing but the empty husk — John Milton > b.archaic: a marital union : a wedded life 3.obsolete: wife • - out of wedlock