Spouse (spouz), n. [OF. espous, espos, fem. espouse, F. époux, épouse, 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 I that lady to my spouse had won. Spenser.
2. A married man, in distinction from a spousess or married woman; a bridegroom or husband.
At which marriage was no persons present but the spouse, the spousess, the Duchess of Bedford her mother, the priest, two gentlewomen, and a young man. Fabyan.