in law, signify a contract or promise made between a man and a woman to marry each other; and in cases where marriages may be consummated espousals go before. Marriage is termed an espousal de brevi.

The espousals amongst the Jews were either by writing, or by a piece of silver given and received, or by cohabitation. Amongst the Greeks, after the parents and friends of the young couple had finished their negociation, the couple themselves pledged their faith to each other, the man swearing that he would be constant and true, the woman that she would marry him, and make him matter of all she had. Then they ratified their agreement by a kiss and joining right hands.

Amongst the Romans the espousals consisted in an engagement of friends on both sides, whether absent or present, in public or without witnesses. But the common way was by writings drawn up by common consent, and sealed by both parties; besides this, the man sent a ring to the woman, consisting of iron and without a stone.