husband

Less common meanings

4. 4
   noundatedcountable

   The man who is the head of a household or family.

   UsageToday people say head of the family.

   Similarmaster, householder

5. 5
   nounobsoletecountable

   A farmer, someone who grows crops on the land.

   He is the neatest husband for curious ordering his domestick and field accommodations.

   1681, John Evelyn, “[Diary entry for 30 August 1681]”Here, husband means a farmer who works the land.

   The painfull husband plowing up his ground, Shall finde all fret and rust both pikes and shields

   1627, G[eorge] H[akewill], An Apologie of the Power and Prouidence of God in the Gouernment of the World.

   Similarfarmer, tiller, cultivator

   Note
6. 6
   nounarchaic

   A person who manages money or supplies very carefully.

   God knows how little time is left me, and may I be a good husband, to improve the short remnant thereof.

   1645, Thomas Fuller, Good Thoughts in Bad TimesHere, husband means a careful manager who uses things wisely.

   Note
7. 7
   verbarchaictransitive

   To find a man for a woman to marry.

   Thinke you, I am no ſtronger then my Sex Being ſo Father'd, and ſo Husbanded?

   1599, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”Here, husbanded means given a husband, married to a man.

   Note
8. 8
   verbobsoletetransitive

   To work the land and grow crops on it.

   Land so trim and rarely husbanded.

   1672, John Evelyn, “[Diary entry for 19 May 1672]”Here, husbanded means farmed and cared for, with crops grown on it.

   Note
9. 9
   verbrare

   To take care of someone or something as your own responsibility.
10. 10
    noun

    A big cushion with arms that supports your back when you sit up.
11. 11
    nounrare

    The male animal in a breeding pair.
12. 12
    noundialectalUK

    A tree whose top branches have been cut back so new shoots grow.