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]