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.