goodwife

[ goo d-wahyf ]

/ ˈgʊdˌwaɪf /

Chiefly Scot. the mistress of a household.

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

Origin of goodwife

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

The parson looked puzzled, Goodwife Kendall looked surprised.

Maid Sally |Harriet A. Cheever
Said the goodwife, "Aoirig, poor woman, it is not the hour for ancient old sgeuls; be thinking of a canny going."

The Lost Pibroch |Neil Munro
The goodwife of the other side of the gate has lost a horn spoon.

The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland |John Knox
The goodwife Asdis sent for her men, and Atli's corpse was laid out, and he was buried beside his father.

The Story of Grettir The Strong |Translated by Eirikr Magnusson and William Morris

After goodwife Knapp was executed, as soon as she was cut downe.

The Witchcraft Delusion In Colonial Connecticut (1647-1697) |John M. Taylor

goodwife

/ (ˈɡʊdˌwaɪf) /

the mistress of a household

a woman not of gentle birth: used as a title