huswife Meaning, Definition & Usage

Hus"wife noun

Etymology

OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife. Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.

Definitions

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. See Hussy a bag. A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. Cowper.

Hus"wife transitive verb

Definitions

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