Ethelbert . . . went peaceably to King Offa for desponsage of Athilrid, his daughter.
Foxe.
De*spon"sate (?), v. t. [L. desponsatus, p. p. of desponsare, intens. of despondere to betroth. See Despond.] To betroth. [Obs.] Johnson.
Des`pon*sa"tion (?), n. [L. desponsatio: cf. OF. desponsation.] A betrothing; betrothal. [Obs.]
For all this desponsation of her . . . she had not set one step toward the consummation of her marriage.
Jer. Taylor.
De*spon"so*ry (?), n.; pl. Desponsories (&?;). A written pledge of marriage. Clarendon.
De*sport" (?), v. t. & i. See Disport.
Des"pot (?), n. [F. despote, LL. despotus, fr. Gr. despo`ths master, lord, the second part of which is akin to po`sis husband, and L. potens. See Potent.] 1. A master; a lord; especially, an absolute or irresponsible ruler or sovereign.
Irresponsible power in human hands so naturally leads to it, that cruelty has become associated with despot and tyrant.