Plural of spouse; husbands and wives, or partners in a marriage relationship.
From Old French 'spous,' derived from Latin 'sponsus' (promised one), from 'spondere' meaning to promise or betroth. Originally meant a betrothed person.
The word 'spouse' originally meant a betrothed person before marriage—it's fascinating that many cultures have/had elaborate betrothal ceremonies separate from marriage, treating the promise itself as a binding commitment!
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