goodwife

[ good-wahyf ]

noun

, plural good·wives [good, -wahyvz].

1. Chiefly Scot. the mistress of a household.
2. (initial capital letter) Archaic. 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.

From Washington Times

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

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

From Literature