Why do we say "Till death do us part"?

Meaning:

Until one of us dies

Background:

According to the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer the married couple pledge "till death us do part", but usually these days the expression is reversed to "till death do us part".

Although the Church of England introduced an updated service 1980, many couples still choose to "plight their troth" rather than use the modern wording.

The Minister, receiving the Woman at her father's or friend's hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand to take the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as followeth.

I M. take thee N. to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.

Then shall they loose their hands; and the Woman, with her right hand taking the Man by his right hand, shall likewise say after the Minister,

I N. take thee M. to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.

More expressions and their source

Challenge yourself with BookBrowse Wordplays