n. [ Contr. fr. huswife. ] 1. A housewife or housekeeper. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A worthless woman or girl; a forward wench; a jade; -- used as a term of contempt or reproach. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A pert girl; a frolicsome or sportive young woman; -- used jocosely. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ From Icel. h&unr_;si a case, prob. fr. h&unr_;s house. See House, and cf. Housewife a bag, Huswife a bag. ] A case or bag. See Housewife, 2. [ 1913 Webster ]