huswife

[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.