espousal
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Espousal — Es*pous al, n. [OF. espousailles, pl., F. [ e]pousailles, 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;… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
espousal — index adoption (acceptance), aid (help), alternative (option), defense, favor (sanction) … Law dictionary
espousal — late 14c., from O.Fr. esposailles (pl.) act of betrothal (12c., Mod.Fr. époussailles), from L. sponsalia betrothal, espousal, neut. pl. of sponsalis of a betrothal, from sponsa spouse. For the e see ESPECIAL (Cf. especial) … Etymology dictionary
espousal — *marriage, matrimony, nuptial, wedding, wedlock … New Dictionary of Synonyms
espousal — ► NOUN ▪ the action of espousing … English terms dictionary
espousal — [e spou′zəl, ispou′zəl] n. [ME espousaile < OFr espousailles ( pl.) < L sponsalia < sponsus (fem. sponsa): see SPOUSE] 1. [often pl.] a) a betrothal or betrothal ceremony b) a marriage or wedding 2. an espousing (of some cause, idea, etc … English World dictionary
espousal — [[t]ɪspa͟ʊz(ə)l[/t]] N SING: usu poss N of n A government s or person s espousal of a particular policy, cause, or belief is their strong support of it. [FORMAL] ...the Slovene leadership s espousal of the popular causes of reform and nationalism … English dictionary
espousal — noun Will s recent espousal of neo Nazism has distressed his family and perplexed his friends Syn: adoption, embracing, acceptance; support, championship, encouragement, defense; sponsorship, promotion, endorsement, advocacy, approval … Thesaurus of popular words
espousal — noun Date: 14th century 1. a. betrothal b. wedding c. marriage 2. a taking up or adopting of a cause or belief … New Collegiate Dictionary
espousal — /i spow zeuhl, seuhl/, n. 1. adoption or advocacy, as of a cause or principle. 2. Sometimes, espousals. a. a marriage ceremony. b. an engagement or betrothal celebration. [1275 1325; ME espousaille < MF, OF espousailles < L sponsalia (n. use of… … Universalium
