Main Entry: thrift

Pronunciation: \ˈthrift\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse, prosperity, from thrīfask to thrive

Date: 13th century

1 : healthy and vigorous growth
2 : careful management especially of money
3 chiefly Scottish : gainful occupation
4 : any of a genus (Armeria) of low-growing perennial evergreen herbs of the plumbago family; especially : a tufted herb (A. maritima) with pink or white flower heads
5 : a savings bank or savings and loan association —called also thrift institution