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espousal
(redirected from Espousals)

   Also found in: Legal, Wikipedia 0.04 sec.
es·pous·al  (-spouzl, -sl)
n.
1.
a. A betrothal.
b. A wedding ceremony.
2. Adoption of an idea or a cause.

[Middle English espousaille, from sing. of Old French espousailles, betrothal, from Latin spnslia, from neuter pl. of spnslis, of a betrothal, from spnsus, spouse; see spouse.]

espousal
Noun
1. adoption or support: his espousal of the free market
2. Old-fashioned a marriage or engagement ceremony
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.espousalespousal - archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast
marriage ceremony, wedding, marriage - the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony; "their marriage was conducted in the chapel"
2.espousal - the act of becoming betrothed or engaged
ritual, rite - any customary observance or practice
3.espousalespousal - the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; "its adoption by society"; "the proposal found wide acceptance"
embrace, bosom - a close affectionate and protective acceptance; "his willing embrace of new ideas"; "in the bosom of the family"
approval, approving, blessing - the formal act of approving; "he gave the project his blessing"; "his decision merited the approval of any sensible person"


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
As brides of Christ they went through rites resembling secular espousals, with veils, rings, vows, and even dowries (where warranted by the financial situation of the candidate).
Phillis and Mall eventually espouse themselves to members of the gentry, but these espousals are represented as financially advantageous to the men, not socially advantageous to the women.
The operative spirituality of our day was much taken with Franciscan and Catholic Worker espousals of poverty and providence - which works out better for celibates.
 
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