Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: ways-and-means committee
Definition: A husband is a man who is married to a woman. He is responsible for taking care of his family and making sure they have what they need. In the past, the word "husband" meant the man who was in charge of the household and the land around it. Sometimes, a man and a woman may live together and act like they are married, even if they didn't have a formal wedding. This is called a common-law marriage, and the man in this situation is also called a 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.