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“ask the banns”
Cultural Context
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 167-177

An explanation of the phrase “ask the banns” in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

Say that she rail, why then I'll tell her plain
She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.
Say that she frown, I'll say she looks as clear
As morning roses newly washed with dew.
Say she be mute and will not speak a word,
Then I'll commend her volubility    
And say she uttereth piercing eloquence.    
If she do bid me pack, I'll give her thanks    
As though she bid me stay by her a week.    
If she deny to wed, I'll crave the day    
When I shall ask the banns, and when be marrièd.    

The banns is the custom in the Church of England of announcing a proposed marriage during a church service. You “ask” the banns because part of the announcement is asking if anyone objects to the marriage.