huswife

CIDE DICTIONARY

huswife, n. [OE. huswif; hus house + wif wife. Cf. Hussy a housewife, Housewife.].

A female housekeeper; a woman who manages domestic affairs; a thirfty woman. Shak. [1913 Webster]
"The huswife is she that do labor doth fall." [1913 Webster]
A worthless woman; a hussy. Shak. [1913 Webster]
A case for sewing materials. See Housewife. Cowper. [1913 Webster]

huswife, v. t.

To manage with frugality; -- said of a woman. Dryden. [1913 Webster]