House·wife n.
1. The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household.
He a good husband, a good housewife she. --Dryden.
2. A little case or bag for materials used in sewing, and for other articles of female work; -- called also hussy. [Written also huswife.]
3. A hussy. [R.] [Usually written huswife.]
Sailor's housewife, a ditty-bag.
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Hus·wife n. [Written also housewife.]
1. A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. “The bounteous huswife Nature.”
The huswife is she that do labor doth fall. --Tusser.
2. A worthless woman; a hussy. [Obs.]
3. A case for sewing materials. See Housewife.
Hus·wife, v. t. To manage with frugality; -- said of a woman.
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