thrift

name

1. A surname.

noun

Etymology: From Middle English thrift, thryfte, þrift, from Old Norse þrift (“thriving condition, prosperity”). Equivalent to thrive + -t.

1. 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 , as I have seene many souldiers after the service to prove very good husbands”

2. A savings bank.

   “Usually, home mortgages are obtained from thrifts.”

3. Any of various plants of the genus Armeria, particularly Armeria maritima.
4. Success and advance in the acquisition of property; increase of worldly goods; gain; prosperity; profit.

   “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!”

   “Hamlet: No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp, And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee Where thrift may follow fawning.”

5. Vigorous growth, as of a plant.

verb

Etymology: From Middle English thrift, thryfte, þrift, from Old Norse þrift (“thriving condition, prosperity”). Equivalent to thrive + -t.

1. To shop or browse at a thrift shop; to buy (something) at a thrift shop.

   “They like to go thrifting on weekends.”

   “I thrifted these vintage coffee mugs.”