espousal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast
    bridal.
  2. noun the act of becoming betrothed or engaged
    betrothal.
  3. noun the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception
    acceptation; acceptance; adoption.
    • its adoption by society
    • the proposal found wide acceptance

WordNet

Es*pous"al noun
Etymology
OF. espousailles, pl., F. épousailles, L. sponsalia, fr. sponsalis belonging to betrothal or espousal. See Espouse, and cf. Sponsal, Spousal.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913