Espousal :: Espousal (n.) The act of espousing or betrothing; especially, in the plural, betrothal; plighting of the troths; a contract of marriage; sometimes, the marriage ceremony..
Espousal :: Espousal (n.) The uniting or allying one's self with anything; maintenance; adoption; as, the espousal of a quarrel..
Espouse :: Espouse (v. t.) To betroth; to promise in marriage; to give as spouse.
Espouse :: Espouse (v. t.) To take as spouse; to take to wife; to marry.
Espouse :: Espouse (v. t.) To take to one's self with a view to maintain; to make one's own; to take up the cause of; to adopt; to embrace.