HUSWIFE
Etymology
Noun
huswife (plural huswifes or huswives)
(obsolete) A housewife.
(obsolete) A worthless woman; a hussy.
A small case containing needles, scissors, thread, and other sewing things.
Verb
huswife (third-person singular simple present huswifes, present participle huswifing, simple past and past participle huswifed)
(said of a woman) To manage with frugality.
Source: Wiktionary
Hus"wife, n. Etym: [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. Etym: [See Hussy a bag.]
Definition: A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. Cowper.
Hus"wife, v. t.
Definition: To manage with frugality; -- said of a woman. Dryden.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition