Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Huswife \Hus"wife\, v. t.
   To manage with frugality; -- said of a woman. --Dryden.

Huswife \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. [Obs.] --Shak.

   3. [See {Hussy} a bag.] A case for sewing materials. See
      {Housewife}. --Cowper.