English Explanatory Dictionary

espousal

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A betrothal.
  2. A wedding ceremony.
  3. Adoption of a plan, cause, or idea.

Pronunciation

/əˈspaʊzl̩/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-espousal.wav

Word forms

espousal espousals

Etymology

From Middle English espousal, espousaille, from Old French espousailles, from Latin sponsalia (“a betrothal”), neuter plural of sponsalis, from spōnsus (“one betrothed, a spouse”); see spouse. By surface analysis, espouse + -al.

Related words

spouse sponsor

Derived words

nonespousal
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