Also 6 Sc. -ale, 6–7 -all. [attrib. use of prec., or ad. L. sponsāl-is by assimilation to this.]
1. Of, pertaining or relating to, espousal or marriage; nuptial, matrimonial.
1513. Douglas, Æneid, VII. x. 39. Lat thaim begyne Sik wedlok to contrak and spousale feyst.
1517. Torkington, Pilgr. (1884), 12. The spousall words be In signum veri perpetuique Domini.
1577–87. Holinshed, Chron., III. 1097/2. When I was wedded to the realme … (the spousall ring whereof I haue on my finger).
1588. Shaks., Tit. A., I. i. 337. There shall we Consummate our Spousall rites.
1635. Pagitt, Christianogr., III. (1636), 28. Concerning cases spousal and matrimonial.
1647. Trapp, Comm. Rev. ii. 4. That spousall-love that God so well remembreth.
1671. Milton, Samson, 387. Spousal embraces, vitiated with Gold.
1725. Pope, Odyss., VI. 31. Thy spousal ornament neglected lies. Ibid. (1726), XVIII. 334. Till Hymen lights the torch of spousal love.
1821. Southey, Exped. Orsua, 60. A large robe of rich silk … was given her as the spousal present.
1877. Bryant, Sella, 318. There already stood The priest prepared to say the spousal rite.
1888. Doughty, Arabia Deserta, I. 471. The spousal money that the Moor had given to … her half-brother.
2. Of a hymn, poem, etc.: Celebrating or commemorating an espousal or marriage.
1596. Spenser (title), Prothalamion, or a Spousall Verse made … in Honour of the Double marriage of … the Ladie Elizabeth and the Ladie Katherine Somerset. Ibid. (a. 1599), F. Q., VII. vii. 12. Where Phœbus self,… They say, did sing the spousall hymne full cleere.
1761. J. Scott (title), A Spousal Hymn, or an Address to His Majesty on his Marriage.
[1841. D’Israeli, Amen. Lit. (1867), 476. A spousal hymn on the double marriage of two ladies.]
Hence Spousally adv., by espousal or marriage; in the manner of a spouse; as a spouse. rare.
1501. in Antiq. Rep. (1808), II. 255. They now were in their either other presens spousally ensured.
1898. Meredith, Odes Fr. Hist., 48. Not deigning spousally entreat, But harsh.
