thrift

thrift — [θrɪft] noun 1. [countable] also thrift institution FINANCE ORGANIZATIONS in the US, a Savings and Loan Association or savings bank …   Financial and business terms

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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

thrift — n: an institution that promotes saving and provides mortgages; esp: savings and loan association – called also thrift institution; Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996 …   Law dictionary

Thrift — can refer to: * A generic term for a savings and loan association in the United States * Thrift (plant) a plant in the genus Armeria that have pink or white flowers; the term is especially used to refer to Armeria maritima * Thrift (protocol), a… …   Wikipedia

thrift´i|ly — thrift|y «THRIHF tee», adjective, thrift|i|er, thrift|i|est. 1. careful in spending; economical; saving: »a thrifty housewife …   Useful english dictionary

thrift|y — «THRIHF tee», adjective, thrift|i|er, thrift|i|est. 1. careful in spending; economical; saving: »a thrifty housewife …   Useful english dictionary

thrift — [ θrıft ] noun 1. ) uncount the practice of spending money carefully so that you do not waste any 2. ) thrift or thrift institution count AMERICAN an institution similar to a bank that allows its members to save or borrow money …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

thrift — [thrift] n. [ME < ON < thrifast, to prosper: see THRIVE] 1. Obs. a) the condition of thriving; prosperity b) physical thriving; vigorous growth 2. careful management of one s money or resources; economy; frugality 3. any of a genus (Armeria …   English World dictionary

thrift — /thrift/, n. 1. economical management; economy; frugality. 2. Also called thrift institution. Banking. a savings and loan association, savings bank, or credit union. 3. Also called sea pink. any alpine and maritime plant belonging to the genus… …   Universalium

thrift — c.1300, fact or condition of thriving, also prosperity, savings, from M.E. thriven to thrive (see THRIVE (Cf. thrive)), possibly influenced by O.N. þrift, variant of þrif prosperity, from þrifask to thrive. Sense of habit of saving, economy first …   Etymology dictionary

thrift — institution or thrift Fin a bank that offers savings accounts. See also savings and loan association, savings bank …   The ultimate business dictionary