Crossword Genius

Support for Elizabeth in relation to marriage partner (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

espousal

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'support for' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'elizabeth in relation to marriage partner' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'relation' could be 'esp' (ESP is an example) and 'esp' is located in the answer.
'partner' could be 's' and 's' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for espousal that I've seen before include "Adoption, support (of)" , "old-fashioned marriage" , "Favourable reception" , "Adoption (of a cause) - USA's pole (anag)" , "championship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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