goodwife

[good-wahyf]

noun

plural

goodwives 

1. Chiefly Scot.,  the mistress of a household.

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

goodwife

/ ˈɡʊdˌwaɪf /

noun

1. the mistress of a household

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of goodwife¹

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.

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

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“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.”

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"Come then. Goodwife Willingson will be waiting supper for us."

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

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