资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Housewife \House"wife`\, Housewive \House"wive`\, v. t.
   To manage with skill and economy, as a housewife or other
   female manager; to economize.

         Conferred those moneys on the nuns, which since they
         have well housewived.                    --Fuller.