Es*pous"al (?), n. [OF.
espousailles, pl., F. épousailles, L.
sponsalia, fr. sponsalis belonging to betrothal or
espousal. See Espouse, and cf. Sponsal,
Spousal.] 1. The act of espousing or
betrothing; especially, in the plural, betrothal; plighting of the
troths; a contract of marriage; sometimes, the marriage
ceremony.
2. The uniting or allying one's self with
anything; maintenance; adoption; as, the espousal of a
quarrel.
The open espousal of his cause.
Lord Orford.