1. plural of goodwife; married women of respectable standing in a community
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The goodwives of the village gathered to discuss the harvest festival.
• In colonial times, goodwives were expected to manage their households efficiently.
• The goodwives shared recipes and remedies with one another.
• Local goodwives organized charity work for the poor families.
• The minister’s wife was respected among the other goodwives.
• Goodwives in Puritan communities held significant social influence.