Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

Spouse

(Spouze, 1 syl.) means one whom sponsors have answered for. In Rome, before marriage, the friends of the parties about to be married met at the house of the woman's father to settle the marriage contract. This contract was called sponsalia (espousals); the man and woman were spouses. The contracting parties were each asked, “An spondes ” (Do you agree?), and replied “Spondeo ” (I agree).

Spouse of Jesus.
“Our seraphic mother, the holy Teresa,” born at Avila in 1515, is so called in the Roman Catholic Church.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Spout
Sporting Seasons in England
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Spouse from Fact Monster:

  • Wives and Children of the Presidents - Wives and Children of the Presidents This table displays data about the spouses of U.S. Presidents, ...
  • abandonment - abandonment abandonment, in law, voluntary, intentional, and absolute relinquishment of rights or ...
  • nullity of marriage - nullity of marriage nullity of marriage, in law, an unlawful marriage that is either void or ...
  • Saint Joseph - Joseph, Saint Joseph, Saint, husband of the Virgin Mary, a carpenter, a descendant of the house of ...
  • family, in sociology - family family, a basic unit of social structure, the exact definition of which can vary greatly ...

Related Content