espouse Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
espouse in Easton's Bible Dictionary
(2 Sam. 3:14), to betroth. The espousal was a ceremony of betrothing, a formal agreement between the parties then coming under obligation for the purpose of marriage. Espousals are in the East frequently contracted years before the marriage is celebrated. It is referred to as figuratively illustrating the relations between God and his people (Jer. 2:2; Matt. 1:18; 2 Cor. 11:2). (See BETROTH T0000573.)
espouse in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
ESPOUSE' . See Betroth.