hymen

noun

1. A membrane which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening in human females.
2. (figuratively)Marriage.

   “I would for ever baniſh from my thoughts—I will obey the firſt ſummons that proclaims you a happy wife.—On my devoted head may every miſery, reſulting from an ill-fated marriage, have juſtly been exhauſted. On your propitious hymen may ſmiling peace, domeſtic harmony, and mutual love, for ever wait; and time alone diſſolve the tender union!”

name

1. (Greek)The god of marriage and marriage ceremonies.

   “"By the saffron robe of Hymen," cried Lord Norbourne, "but that would be a blessing! I own that I am no great friend to marriage in general; […] If a young man has his way to make in the world, a wife is a dead weight upon his hands.[…]"”