noun / verb

consort

KAHN-sort/ˈkɑːnsɔːrt/

To associate or act together in a shared relationship.

The queen and her consort attend the ceremony together.

A crowned queen stands beside her uncrowned husband at a royal ceremony, equal companionship.

Etymology

A consort originally shared another person's lot or fortune. That image of partnership developed into a marriage partner, including the spouse of a ruler.

In context

Grand Central Atelier50:38

Constance, the empress with the young son and future emperor. Um here is her consort, Henry the Sixth. Well, Henry the Sixth, once he married Constance

Michelangelo Lecture Series 1: The Apotheosis of The Holy Roman Empire

More examples

He refuses to consort with people who cheat their customers.
The official was accused of consorting with known criminals.
A consort of viols performs music from the Renaissance.

Forms

consort · consorts · consorted · consorting

Similar words

associate: Means keeping company without necessarily suggesting disreputable companions.
companion: Emphasizes shared company rather than marriage or royal status.
spouse: Means a marriage partner, without any implication of royalty.