engagement ring

Noun

engagement ring (plural engagement rings)

1. A ring given to one's fiancé(e) or intended spouse, symbolizing a formal pledge of matrimony and commonly consisting of a gold band adorned with one or more diamonds or other precious gemstones.
   • Then, aroused to the sense of what was proper among mortals circumstanced as we were, I pointed out to Kitty that an engagement-ring was the outward and visible sign of her dignity as an engaged girl; and that she must forthwith come to Hamilton's to be measured for one.1888, Rudyard Kipling, “The Phantom Rickshaw”, in The Phantom 'Rickshaw and Other Tales, Allahabad: A.H. Wheeler and Co., page 13
2. (broadly) Any ring resembling one traditionally presented as a pledge of marriage.
   • After about five minutes we dug up an old engagement ring.2010, Donald L. Maly, Oasis of Hope, page 20
   • Wednesday: I found an engagement ring on the beach this morning, beautiful little thing, a diamond the shape of a teardrop and two clusters of tiny sapphires on either side.2014, Holly Martin, The Guestbook