GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Housewife , n. [House + wife. Cf. Hussy.]
   The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   He a good husband, a good housewife she.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
    [See Hussy, in this sense.] A little case or bag for materials used in sewing, and for other articles of female work; -- called also hussy. [Written also huswife.]
   P. Skelton.
   
   1913 Webster
   A hussy. [R.] [Usually written huswife.]
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Sailor's housewife, a ditty-bag.
         
       

2.       
   { Housewife , Housewive , } v. t. To manage with skill and economy, as a housewife or other female manager; to economize.
   1913 Webster
   Conferred those moneys on the nuns, which since they have well housewived.
   Fuller.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Huswife , n. [OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife.  Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.] [Written also housewife.]
   A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. “The bounteous huswife Nature.”  
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   The huswife is she that do labor doth fall.
   Tusser.
   
   1913 Webster
   A worthless woman; a hussy. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   [See Hussy a bag.] A case for sewing materials. See Housewife.
   Cowper.
   
   1913 Webster