You mentioned seeing the term "single man" in reference to a widower, but have you or anyone else on the list ever seen the term "bachelor" applied to a widower?  Just as a previous poster points out in regard to the distinction between spinster and widow, we know the modern-day definition of bachelor.  I am just trying to clarify if it would have had the same meaning nearly 300 years ago (as fyi, this term of "bachelor" was applied to one of my ancestors in a marriage record in 1726; but, for a number of different reasons, I don't know if the marriage really was his first marriage).   Thanks.   David Brown From: Chris Dickinson <chris@dickinson.uk.net> To: "quaker-roots@rootsweb.com" <quaker-roots@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2012 4:45 AM Subject: Re: [Q-R] Spinster vs. Widow   It is possible. I can't remember coming across that specific usage, but I have certainly seen 'single man' used for a widower.