Category:Huswife

Hus"wife, n. Etym: [OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife. Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.] [Written also housewife.]

1. A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. "The bounteous huswife Nature." Shak. The huswife is she that do labor doth fall. Tusser.

2. A worthless woman; a hussy. [Obs.] Shak.

3. Etym: [See Hussy a bag.]

Defn: A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. Cowper.

huswife Hus"wife, v. t.

Defn: To manage with frugality; -- said of a woman. Dryden.