Definition of: espouse

(es·pouz′) v.t. ·poused, ·pous·ing
1. To take as a spouse; marry.
2. To promise or give in marriage.
3. To make one's own; adopt, as a cause or doctrine.
4. Obs. To pledge; commit. See synonyms under EMBRACE. [<OF espouser <L sponsare <sponsus. See SPOUSE.]
—es·pous′er noun