n. The announcement of a forthcoming marriage (legally required for a church wedding in England and Wales and read on the three Sundays preceding the marriage).
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun-plural. Notice of a proposed marriage, proclaimed in a church, or other place prescribed by law, in order that any person may object, if he knows of just cause why the marriage should not take place.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
The proclamation of intended marriage in order that those who know of any impediment thereto may state it to the proper authorities.
The proclamation or prologue of a play.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a public announcement of a proposed marriage
Word Usage
"So Little John clambered awkwardly into the quire, his short gown fluttering gaily; and he called the banns for the marriage of the maid and Allan-a-Dale once, twice, and thrice."