Spousal

Pronunciation

• Canada IPA: /ˈspaÊŠzÉ™l/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈspaÊŠzÉ™l/, /ˈspaÊŠsÉ™l/

Origin

From spouse + -al

Full definition of spousal

Adjective

1. of or relating to marriage
2. of or relating to a spouse, spouses; to the relationship between spouses
• 1592: William Shakespeare, Titus AndronicusThere we shall consummate our spousal rites.

Derived terms

• spousal abuse
• spousal support

Noun

1. (obsolete, chiefly in the plural) marriage; nuptials; espousal
• DrydenThe spousals of Hippolita.
• ChaucerBoweth your head under that blissful yoke ... Which that men clepeth spousal or wedlock.
• EmersonThe spousals of the newborn year.