Spouse (?), n. [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.]

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.

[Obs.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Spouse (?), v. t. [See Espouse, and Spouse, n.]

To wed; to espouse.

[Obs.]

This markis hath her spoused with a ring. Chaucer.

Though spoused, yet wanting wedlock's solemnize. Spenser.

She was found again, and spoused to Marinell. Spenser.

 

© Webster 1913.