Hus"wife (?), n. [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. [See Hussy a bag.]

A case for sewing materials. See Housewife.

Cowper.

 

© Webster 1913.


Hus"wife, v. t.

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

Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.

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