house·wife (hous
w
f
) n.
1. A woman who manages her own household as her main occupation.
2. (British) A small container for needles, thread, and other sewing equipment.
hous-wife v.
3. (archaic) To manage with efficiency and economy, as a household.
[Origin Middle English, houswif: hous, house; see house + wife, wife; see wife.]
