Crossword Genius

Give support to English husband or wife (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

espouse

'give support' is the definition.

'english husband or wife' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'husband or wife' becomes 'spouse' (I've seen this before).
'e'+'spouse'='ESPOUSE'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for espouse that I've seen before include "Follow and promote a cause" , "Give support to - see soup (anag)" , "Marry -- take on as a cause" , "Adopt or support, say a cause" , "See opus (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app