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Webster 1913 Edition
Espousal
Es-pous′al
,Noun.
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 quarrelThe open
espousal
of his cause. Lord Orford.
Webster 1828 Edition
Espousal
ESPOUS'AL
,Adj.
ESPOUS'AL
,Noun.
1.
Adoption; protection.