(2 Samuel 3:14), to betroth. The espousal was a ceremony of betrothing, a formal agreement between the parties then coming under obligation for the purpose of marriage. Espousals are in the East frequently contracted years before the marriage is celebrated. It is referred to as figuratively illustrating the relations between God and his people (Jeremiah 2:2; Matthew 1:18; 2 Corinthians 11:2). (see BETROTH.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To make one's own; to take up the cause of; to adopt; to embrace; to marry; as, to espouse a new belief or principle.

2. (v. t.) To betroth; to promise in marriage; to give as spouse.

3. (v. t.) To take as spouse; to take to wife; to marry.