Espousal

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of espousing or betrothing; especially, in the plural, betrothal; plighting of the troths; a contract of marriage; sometimes, the marriage ceremony.

2. The uniting or allying one's self with anything; maintenance; adoption; as, the espousal of a quarrel. The open espousal of his cause. Lord Orford.