espouse /i-spowzˈ/

1. To give or take in marriage or betrothal
2. To take upon oneself or embrace (eg a cause)

espousˈal noun

1. The act of espousing or betrothing
2. The taking upon oneself of eg a cause
3. (in pl) a contract or mutual promise of marriage
4. A wedding
5. A formal betrothal

espousˈer noun

• petting
• petting parties
• petting party
• pettings
• pettish
• pettishly
• pettishness
• pettishnesses
• pettitoes
• pettle
• pettled
• pettles
• pettling
• petty
• Petty Bag
• petty bourgeois
• petty bourgeoisie
• petty cash
• petty-chaps
• petty constable
• petty juries
• petty jury
• petty larceny
• petty officer
• petty officers