Espousal /(?)/

Es·pous·al

Espousal

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.