desponsation

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Desponsation \Des`pon*sa"tion\, n. [L. desponsatio: cf. OF.
   desponsation.]
   A betrothing; betrothal. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         For all this desponsation of her . . . she had not set
         one step toward the consummation of her marriage.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.
   [1913 Webster]