espousal \ih-SPOU-zuhl, -suhl\,
noun:
1. adoption or advocacy, as of a cause or principle.
2. Sometimes, espousals. a. a marriage ceremony. b. an engagement or betrothal celebration.
Accordingly, when Shaya's wedding takes place, if God be pleased, it will be an espousal in the literal as well as in the Talmudic sense, for is he not full of law?
-- Abraham Cahan, "The Imported Bridegroom," 1898
There is in his espousal of memory and affection belonging to another human being something characteristic of his seriousness. He had a conscience, and it was a romantic conscience.
-- Joseph Conrad, "Lord Jim," 1899-1900
Espousal came to English in the 14th century from the Latin sponsa meaning "spouse." It is common for Latin words to gain an initial e- when borrowed by Old French.
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