adj
Meaning 1
housewifely, i.e. capable, economical, prudent.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic
Examples
- 1568, Matthew Parker et al. (translators), Bishops’ Bible, Proverbs 12.4, A huswifely woman is a crowne vnto her husbande: but she that behaueth her selfe vnhonestly, is as corruption in his bones.
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, Oxford: Henry Cripps, Partition 3, Section 2, Member 5, Subsection 3, pp. 649-650, In taking a dowre thou loosest thy liberty, hazardest thine estate; thou hadst better haue taken a good huswifely maid in her smocke.
- 1816, William Hazlitt, “The Recruiting Officer,” review published in The Examiner, 3 March, 1816, in A View of the English Stage; or, A Series of Dramatic Criticisms, London: John Warren, 1821, p. 246, We ought not to omit, that she cries her chickens in a good shrill huswifely market-voice, as if she would drive a good bargain with them.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided