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as in the ranks of an army; -- usually, reflexively and figuratively, (in the sense) to espouse a cause, to join a party, etc. It would be absurd in me to range myself on the side of the Duke of Bedford and the corresponding society. Burke.

often in irony or contempt. Where the sapient king Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse. Milton.

Solemnization. [R.] Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize. Spenser.

To choose from a number; to select; to cull. That he may sort out a worthy spouse. Chapman. I'll sort some other time to visit you. Shak.

Relating to marriage, or to a spouse; spousal.

Of or pertaining to a spouse or marriage; nuptial; matrimonial; conjugal; bridal; as, spousal rites; spousal ornaments. Wordsworth.

nd stands so firmly on his wife's frailty." Shak. -- To stand for. (a) To side with; to espouse the cause of; to support; to maintain, or to profess or attempt to maintain; to defend. "I stand wholly for you." Shak. (b) To be in the place of; to be the substitute or to represent; as, a cipher at the left hand of a fig…

seven years." Dryden. (n) To receive, accept, or adopt for the purpose of assisting; to espouse the cause of; to favor. Ps. xxvii.

Betrothed; espoused; affianced. [Obs.] Shak.

To take for husband or for wife by a formal ceremony; to marry; to espouse. With this ring I thee wed. Bk. of Com. Prayer. I saw thee first, and wedded thee. Milton.

Regarded with especial favor; favorite; darling. Come forth, my white spouse. Chaucer. I am his white boy, and will not be gullet. Ford.