Reg and Maria joined in wedlock (8)

I believe the answer is:

marriage

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'wedlock' is the definition.
(I know that wedlock can be written as marriage)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for marriage that I've seen before include "The nuptial ceremony" , ""Till death do us part" arrangement" , "Wedlock of alliance" , "nuptials" , "Formal union" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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