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.

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.