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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spousal

Spousal \Spous"al\ (-al), a. [See Espousal, Sponsal, and Spouse.] Of or pertaining to a spouse or marriage; nuptial; matrimonial; conjugal; connubial; bridal; as, spousal rites; spousal ornaments.
--Wordsworth.

Spousal

Spousal \Spous"al\, n. [See Espousal, Spouse.] Marriage; nuptials; espousal; -- generally used in the plural; as, the spousals of Hippolita.
--Dryden.

Boweth your head under that blissful yoke . . . Which that men clepeth spousal or wedlock.
--Chaucer.

The spousals of the newborn year.
--Emerson.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
spousal

1510s, "pertaining to marriage," from spouse (n.) + -al (1).

spousal

c.1300, "a wedding ceremony, action of marrying; wedlock, condition of being espoused," from Anglo-French spousaille, Old French esposaille (see espousal). Earlier was spousage "marriage, wedlock" (mid-14c.).

Wiktionary
spousal

a. 1 of or relating to marriage 2 of or relating to a spouse, spouses; to the relationship between spouses n. (context obsolete chiefly in the plural English) marriage; nuptials; espousal

WordNet
spousal
  1. adj. of or relating to a wedding; "bridal procession"; "nuptial day"; "spousal rites"; "wedding cake"; "marriage vows" [syn: bridal, nuptial]

  2. relating to or celebrating marriage; "a fitting symbol of spousal love"

Usage examples of "spousal".

Despite the spousal abuse charge, Jason had been in counseling on and off.

Walsh also was interested in obtaining information from Nancy Reagan for the Weinberger trial, notwithstanding the spousal privilege that normally would shield her.

How she wished she could tell him what was really in her heart, unburden herself of the secret of spousal abuse.

Columbia and, by extension, their spousal and rivalrous complement from nearby NYU.

These relationships are usually spousal primary relationships but can also be friendships with narcissists outside of the primary love relationship.

He pointed out the implications, the sinister transits of spousal responsibility.

If Liysa was truly an unfortunate victim of years of spousal abuse, the last thing she had needed was to be all alone in a suffocating cell.

Poor image of the spousal bond Of Christ and Church, if loosed beyond This life!

There is something about having an established family, a long-lasting spousal arrangement, three daughters in their teens, a house in the country, a suggestion of impermeability, that draws the curiosity of others so that they can, as Tom says, probe with probity.

Every one of your favorite movies has some kind of spousal abuse in it, you know?

If my suspicions were correct and she was the victim of spousal abuse, it might explain her tendency to keep herself covered up.

He ceased speaking and contemplated the group, standing or sitting before him in rapt attention -- save Alfred, who continued to stare at the ceiling from his spousal pillow.

No, no--no spousals for me: let John Cross and the bride be ready or not, there shall be a party wanting to that contract!

These relationships are usually spousal primary relationships but can also be friendships with narcissists outside of the primary love relationship.

There is something about having an established family, a long-lasting spousal arrangement, three daughters in their teens, a house in the country, a suggestion of impermeability, that draws the curiosity of others so that they can, as Tom says, probe with probity.