husband (n.)

the "hus-band" was the Old English mate of the "hus-wif" ("hus" meaning "house") although the word "husband" fared a great deal better than either "housewife" or "wife" in terms of prestige and acceptability—possibly because "man" was used so often instead of "husband" (as in the egregious "man and wife"). Today, just as many men are redefining the husband role in positive ways, there is a subtle discounting of "husband": advertisers portray the husband in stereotypical ways and more and more jokes and one-liners are putting down husbands. It's a pity; as British novelist Ouida wrote in 1884, "An easy-going husband is the one indispensable comfort of life." See also house husband, husband and wife, wife.