goodwife

American  

[good-wahyf] / ˈgʊdˌwaɪf /

noun

plural

goodwives

1. Chiefly Scot. the mistress of a household.

2. (initial capital letter) a title of respect for a woman.

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goodwife British  

/ ˈɡʊdˌwaɪf /

noun

1. the mistress of a household

2. a woman not of gentle birth: used as a title

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Etymology

Origin of goodwife

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; good, wife

Example Sentences

Another accused Boston witch, known as Goodwife Ann Glover or Goody Glover, was hanged in the city in 1688.

From Seattle Times

“A married woman of middling status was usually called Goodwife or Dame, while lower-status women didn’t get any honorific at all.”

From New York Times

“Now I remember this wood,” said John, nodding his head, “though it was but once I went through it. It is of great size, but there is a woodman’s cottage I recall wherein we can shelter for the night. I found the woodman and his goodwife courteous and kindly folk, willing to share what they have.”

From Literature

Goodwife Willingson was feeding the smaller children.

From Literature

Goodwife Willingson had packed a cold meal for us, and we chose an inviting spot in the shade of an ancient oak.

From Literature