spouse
1. A man or woman engaged or joined in wedlock; a married person, husband or wife. At last such grace I found, and means I wrought, That that lady to my spouse had won. (Spenser)
2. A married man, in distinct from a spousess or married woman; a bridegroom or husband. At which marriage was were no person present but the spouse, the spousess, the Duchess of Bedford her mother, the priest, two gentlewomen, and a young man. (Fabyan)
Origin: OF. Espous, espos, fem. Espouse, F. Epoux, epouse, fr. L. Sponsus, sponsa, prop. P.p. Of spondere, sponsum, to promise solemnly, to engage one’s self. Cf. Despond, Espouse, respond, Sponsor.
Dictionary > Spouse
