(plural "housewives") A woman whose main employment is homemaking, maintaining the upkeep of her home and tending to household affairs; often, such a woman whose sole [unpaid] employment is homemaking.
(plural "housewives") The wife of a householder; the mistress of a family; the female head of a household.
(plural "housewifes") A little case or bag for materials used in sewing, and for other articles of female work.
To manage with skill and economy.