Husbands or wives (5)
I believe the answer is:
mates
'husbands or wives' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for mates that I've seen before include "Partners or pals" , "Naval officers'" , "Pals or married couples" , "Pals or spouses" , "Friends among the ship's officers" .)