espousal

• In essence, the state would issue licenses of espousal or civil union and would return the concept of marriage to religious communities where the concept of marriage originated. —  FindLaw Writ - Recent Articles
• Angre and others - the accused in the bomb blasts - that the whole operation was their own initiative, it is clear to any layperson that their organisations can never escape the blame for preparing the conditions so that 'seekers' unleash violence against religious minorities for the espousal of spirituality. —  Kafila
• Of course, if the Assembly preferred, it could opt for the more familiar terminology, rather than the newer term "espousal," so long as the definition chosen ensures equality in name and in substance. —  FindLaw Writ - Recent Articles
• Jewish Betrothal.--The vow of espousal, or betrothal, has always been regarded as sacred and binding in Jewish law. —  Jesus the Christ A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern
• Him Phoebus' interpreter accosts with high courtesy: "Anchises, honoured with the splendour of Venus' espousal, the gods' charge, twice rescued from the fallen towers of Troy, lo! —  The Aeneid of Virgil

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Used in the Same Context