from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Thrift \Thrift\ (thr[i^]ft), n. [Icel. [thorn]rift. See
{Thrive}.]
1. A thriving state; good husbandry; economical management in
regard to property; frugality.
[1913 Webster]
The rest, . . . willing to fall to thrift, prove
very good husbands. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. Success and advance in the acquisition of property;
increase of worldly goods; gain; prosperity. "Your thrift
is gone full clean." --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
I have a mind presages me such thrift. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
[1913 Webster]
3. Vigorous growth, as of a plant.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Bot.) One of several species of flowering plants of the
genera {Statice} and {Armeria}.
[1913 Webster]
{Common thrift} (Bot.), {Armeria vulgaris}; -- also called
{sea pink}.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Frugality; economy; prosperity; gain; profit.
[1913 Webster]