Espouse

es-powz′, v.t. to give in marriage: to take as spouse: to wed: to take with a view to maintain: to embrace, as a cause.— ns. Espous′al , the act of espousing or betrothing: the taking upon one's self, as a cause: ( pl. ) a contract or mutual promise of marriage; Espous′er . [O. Fr. espouser (Fr. épouser )—L. sponsāre — spondēre , sponsum , to promise.]