\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.

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