Legal Definitions - husband

Definition: A husband is a married man who has a lawful wife living. The word originally meant the house bond, the man who held around him the family, for which he was legally responsible.

For example, John is a husband to his wife, Sarah. He is legally responsible for her and their family.

In some cases, a man may be considered a common-law husband. This means that he has contracted an informal marriage with a woman and holds himself out to the community as being married to her.

For example, Tom and Jane have been living together for 10 years and have a child together. Although they never had a formal wedding, they consider themselves to be married and hold themselves out to the community as such. Tom is considered Jane's common-law husband.

When it comes to land cultivation or management, husbandlike and proper means following the usual practices of the locale.

For example, a farmer in a certain area may be expected to use certain techniques or equipment when cultivating their land. If they follow these practices, they are considered to be husbandlike and proper.