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. Tusser.
2. A worthless woman; a hussy. Shak.
3. [See Hussy a bag.] A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. Cowper.