Es-pou'sal, n.

n. [O. Fr. esponsailles, N. Fr. éponsailles, Pr. esposalthas, O. Sp. esponsalias, esposajas, Pg. esponsaes, Lat. sponsalia, from sponsalis, belonging to betrothal or espousal. See SPONSAL and infra.

1. The act of espousing or betrothing; especially, in the plural, betrothal or marriage ceremony; formal contract or celebration of marriage.
2. The taking upon one's self the care and cause of any thing; adoption.

A zealous espousal of the public injuries. South.