Dictionary

huswifely en · ADJ

Etymology

From huswife + -ly.

Meanings

1. (archaic) housewifely, i.e. capable, economical, prudent.
   • 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.
   • Besydes that it is false that vnac[t]yfe men lede a quiete lyfe for els it must be that the lyfe of women were more quietous than that of men as they that syt watchyng at home occupied in huswifely occupations. c. 1528, Thomas Wyatt, Tho. Wyatis Translatyon of Plutarckes Boke, Of the Quyete of Mynde, London: Richard Pynson:
   • 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.
   • 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.

Forms

huswifely en · ADV

Etymology

From huswife + -ly.

Meanings

1. (archaic) In the manner of a housewife; capably; economically; prudently.
   • 1573, Thomas Tusser, Fiue Hundreth Points of Good Husbandry, London: Richard Tottill, “Enstructions to Huswiferie,” This care hath a huswife all daye in her hed, that all thing in season be huswifely fed.

Forms

Relateds

housewifely