noun.
The act of espousing or betrothing; formal contract or celebration of marriage: frequently used in the plural.
noun.
Assumption of the protection or defense of anything; advocacy; a taking upon one's self; adoption as by wedding.
Relating to the act of espousing or betrothing; marriage (used adjectively).
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
The act of espousing or betrothing; especially, in the plural, betrothal; plighting of the troths; a contract of marriage; sometimes, the marriage ceremony.
noun.
The uniting or allying one's self with anything; maintenance; adoption.