From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishhelpmatehelp‧mate /ˈhelpmeɪt/ (also helpmeet /-miːt/) noun [countable] literaryALMARRY a helpful partner, usually a wife
Examples from the Corpus
helpmate• As for Jamie, he saw her as nothing but a helpmate for Katherine and a nursemaid for Patrick.• The modern wife is considered more of an equal partner and helpmate than a chattel or a housekeeper.• And these wives are largely locked into a role of helpmate and lead supporter for their husband-the-diplomat.• What about John Noakes and indeed his trusty helpmate Shep?Origin helpmate (1700-1800) helpmate from helpmeet ((17-20 centuries)), from help + meet “suitable”; influenced by mate