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 growth2: careful management especially of money3chiefly Scottish : gainful occupation4: 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 heads5: a savings bank or savings and loan association —called also thrift institution