Dictionary

thrift

see also: Thrift

Pronunciation

Noun

thrift

(uncountable) The characteristic of using a minimum of something (especially money).
His thrift can be seen in how little the trashman takes from his house.
- The rest, […] willing to fall to thrift, prove very good husbands.
- […] it would appear that before taking this precaution Mr. Bree must have had the thrift to remove a modest competency of the gold […]
(countable, US) A savings bank.
Usually, home mortgages are obtained from thrifts.
(countable) Any of various plants of the genus Armeria, particularly Armeria maritima.
(obsolete) Success and advance in the acquisition of property; increase of worldly goods; gain; prosperity; profit.
- 1380-1400, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales:
  Medleth na-more with that art, I mene, / For, if ye doon, your thrift is goon ful clene.
- circa 1596-97 William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act I scene i:
  smallcaps Bassanio: […] And many Jasons come in quest of her. / O my Antonio, had I but the means / To hold a rival place with one of them, / I have a mind presages me such thrift, / That I should questionless be fortunate!
- circa 1599-1601 William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act III scene ii:
  smallcaps Hamlet: No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp, / And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee / Where thrift may follow fawning.
(obsolete) Vigorous growth, as of a plant.