/i spow"zeuhl, -seuhl/ , n.
1. adoption or advocacy, as of a cause or principle.
2. Sometimes, espousals .
a. a marriage ceremony.
b. an engagement or betrothal celebration.
[ 1275-1325; ME espousaille espousailles sponsalia (n. use of neut. pl. of SPONSALIS), equiv. to spons ( us ) SPOUSE + -alia -AL 2 ]