espousal
/ɪˈspaʊz(ə)l
/ /ɛˈspaʊz(ə)l/noun
1 [in singular] An act of adopting or supporting a cause, belief, or way of life: his espousal of Western ideas...
- Common to all these groups, either white or black, is either a total reinterpretation of Biblical text to support a racist agenda or an espousal of neo-pagan beliefs.
- His argument echoes that of the right wing, whose argument against multiculturalism comes from a disdain and hostility towards cultural differences and an espousal of nationalism.
- Her espousal of a brand of Catholic fundamentalism, that for too long had a deleterious effect on Irish society, is enough to put me off for life.
Synonyms
adoption, embracing, taking up, taking to, taking to one's heart, enthusiastic/wholehearted reception, acceptance, welcome;
support, backing, championship, help, assistance, aid, siding with, favouring, preferring, abetting, aiding and abetting, encouragement;
defence;
sponsorship, vouching for, promotion, furtherance, endorsement, advocacy, sanctioning, approval
2 archaic A marriage or engagement.In Jewish custom, this couple was called husband and wife before the actual marriage took place, and the espousal could be broken if either one was found to be unfaithful during that period....
- After the espousal the maiden returned once more to her parents' home whilst her husband, though he had houses elsewhere, built her a new and larger dwelling-place near his father-in-law.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French espousaille, from Latin sponsalia 'betrothal', neuter plural of sponsalis (adjective), from sponsare 'espouse, betroth' (see espouse).