GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

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.       
   Hussy , n. [Contr. fr. huswife.]
   A housewife or housekeeper. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster
   A worthless woman or girl; a forward wench; a jade; -- used as a term of contempt or reproach.
   Grew.
   
   1913 Webster
   A pert girl; a frolicsome or sportive young woman; -- used jocosely.
   Goldsmith.
   
   1913 Webster
         
       

3.       
   Hussy, n. [From Icel. hsi a case, prob. fr. hs house. See House, and cf. Housewife a bag, Huswife a bag.] A case or bag. See Housewife, 2.
   1913 Webster