espousal

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

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	espousal - archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast bridal 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 betrothal ritual, rite - any customary observance or practice
	3.	espousal - the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; "its adoption by society"; "the proposal found wide acceptance" adoption, acceptance, acceptation 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"