Definition: thrift

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

thrift
     n 1: any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the
          genus Armeria having round heads of pink or white
          flowers
     2: extreme care in spending money; reluctance to spend money
        unnecessarily [syn: parsimony, parsimoniousness, penny-pinching]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Thrift \Thrift\, n. [Icel. [thorn]rift. See Thrive.]
   1. A thriving state; good husbandry; economical management in
      regard to property; frugality.

            The rest, . . . willing to fall to thrift, prove
            very good husbands.                   --Spenser.

   2. Success and advance in the acquisition of property;
      increase of worldly goods; gain; prosperity. ``Your thrift
      is gone full clean.'' --Chaucer.

            I have a mind presages me such thrift. --Shak.

   3. Vigorous growth, as of a plant.

   4. (Bot.) One of several species of flowering plants of the
      genera Statice and Armeria.

   Common thrift (Bot.), Armeria vulgaris; -- also called
      sea pink.

   Syn: Frugality; economy; prosperity; gain; profit.