Definition and Citations:
In old English law. Double the value of the marriage. While an Infant was in ward, the guardian had the power of tendering him or her a suitable match, without disparagement, which if the infants refused, they forfeited the value of the marriage to their guardian, that is, so much as a jury would assess or anyone would give to the guardian for such an alliance; and, if the infants married themselves without the guardian’s consent they forfeited double the value of the marriage. 2 Bl. Comm. 70; Litt{ 110; Co. Litt 826.