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. Hus"wife, v. t. Defn: To manage with frugality; -- said of a woman. Dryden.

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