Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Housewife
1.
The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household.
Shak.
He a good husband, a good
housewife
she. Dryden.
2.
(Usually pronounced [GREEK].)
[See
Hussy
, in this sense.] A little case or bag for materials used in sewing, and for other articles of female work; – called also
hussy
. [Written also
huswife
.] P. Skelton.
3.
A hussy.
[R.]
[Usually written
huswife
.] Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Housewife
HOUSEWIFE
,Noun.
1.
A female economist; a good manager.2.
One skilled in female business.3.
A little case or bag for articles of female work.