Does anyone know the origin of the word "marriage"? Someone on a debate site said it was rape which I can't believe

1) Rape is not the origin of the word marriage. But it could be debated that something like a rape was at the origin of the institution of marriage.


2) "marriage
c.1300, from O.Fr. mariage (12c.), from V.L. *maritaticum, from L. maritatus, pp. of maritatre "to wed, marry, give in marriage" (see marry).
"When two people are under the influence of the most violent, most insane, most delusive, and most transient of passions, they are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and exhausting condition until death do them part." [G.B. Shaw]"
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=marriage&searchmode=none

"marry (v.)
c.1300, from O.Fr. marier, from L. maritare "to wed, marry, give in marriage," from maritus "married man, husband," of uncertain origin, perhaps ult. from "provided with a *mari," a young woman, from PIE base *meri- "young wife," akin to *meryo- "young man" (cf. Skt. marya- "young man, suitor"). Said from 1530 of the priest, etc., who performs the rite. Related: Married; marrying."
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=marry


3) A: "The original meaning of marriage was rape. Was the origin of marriage justifiable? If it wasn't justifiable, why was it accepted by societies to help stabilize and advance them?"

B: "Let's see your source for this."

A: "here you go.
Quote:
"Bride Capture," as it was termed, occurred when a man raped a woman and then was able to take her for his wife. Rape was always defined in relation to marriage, and marriage was considered an exchange of property. In ancient Babylonia, under Mosaic law, a ritual that was considered more civilized was adopted. Potential brides were given a price; however, their virginity had to be guaranteed or the price was lowered. Consequently, if a daughter was raped prior to her marriage, it was considered to be a crime against her father, who would now receive less money because his daughter's virginity had been "stolen." The compensation was to allow the father and brothers of the victim to rape the women in the rapist's family. Such reciprocal violence was considered an appropriate vengeance and retribution. In sum, women were considered pieces of property: they were first obtained by their fathers, and then by their husbands. The "women as property" concept was the first step in the development and institution of slavery."
Source and further information:
http://www.volconvo.com/forums/philosophy-religion/28917-justifiability-rape-11.html

Further information:
http://140.119.186.100/2002freng/rape/rapehis.htm

you can check the origin of the word MARRIAGE means a close relationship
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage

I am not sure about the rape part but marriage was instituted when blood lines were very important especially in royal blood lines. It was meant that the woman was a virgin and not pregnant before marriage. Other than that women even wifes were no more than slaves but had a few more privileges. It was just another way of showing ownership by the man. this is also the reason men today often believe they "own" their wife as of old.