Hussy

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈhÊŒsi/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒsi, Rhymes: -ÊŒzi

Origin

From earlier hussive, hussif, a compression of Middle English huswif ("housewife"), equivalent to house + wife.

Full definition of hussy

Noun

1. (obsolete) A housewife or housekeeper.
2. A cheeky or disrespectful girl; a woman showing inappropriate or improper behaviour.
• 1879, Richard Jefferies, The Amateur Poacher Chapter 1, Molly the dairymaid came a little way from the rickyard, and said she would pluck the pigeon that very night after work. She was always ready to do anything for us boys; and we could never quite make out why they scolded her so for an idle hussy indoors.
3. (obsolete) A case or bag for needles, thread, etc.