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. | 
