"living over the broom"

Now that's an expression I've not heard in years !
It has some quite formal connotations, too. It originally referred to an unofficial form of marriage, that was recognised by the community in which you lived, but not by "the authorities." In the days before state benefits, civil recognition was not important for people who owned no property, of course - marriage is very akin to a comercial or real estate contract and had a lot to do with property rights and inheritance.
But within a community, even of landless workers, such things do have importance and the commitment shown by "jumping over the broomstick" with your chosen mate in the full gaze of your fellows is very relevant to the present discussion.

Thanks for reminding me of the word (and the concept), dody.