Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - husband

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English husbonde, from Old English husbonda master of a house, from Old Norse husbondi, from hus house + bondi householder; akin to Old Norse bua to inhabit; akin to Old English buan to dwell — more at bower  Date: 13th century  1. a male partner in a marriage  2. British manager, steward  3. a frugal manager  • ~ly adjective  II. transitive verb  Date: 15th century  1.  a. to manage prudently and economically  b. to use sparingly ; conserve  2. archaic to find a ~ for ; mate  • ~er noun