Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
I.e., the "house-band," connecting and keeping together the whole family. A man when betrothed was esteemed from that time a husband (Mt. 1:16, 20; Lk. 2:5). A recently married man was exempt from going to war for "one year" (Dt. 20:7, 24:5).