Crossword Genius

Married in the old-fashioned way (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

espoused

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

'married' is the definition.
('espouse' can be a synonym of 'marry')

'old-fashioned way' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'old' could be 'used' (as in used or second-hand items) and 'used' is found in the answer.
'way' could be 's' (Compass direction - South) and 's' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for espoused that I've seen before include "Gave one's support to" , "Advocated" , "Adopted, as of a cause" , "Championed or took up cause" , "embraced" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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