Handfasting
The original meaning of 'handfasting' was a betrothal to be wed. In the early 1800s in the Borders of Scotland handfasting became a ritual which bound a man and woman together for a year and a day. (In modern day terms it would be considered a trial marriage.) After the term, the couple were free to part company or to marry. The custom was acceptable as it was considered more important that a woman be fertile than a virgin.