Definition of: thrift

(thrift) noun
1. Care and wisdom in the management of one's resources; frugality.
2. A flourishing condition; vigorous growth, as of a plant.
3. Any of a genus (Armeria, formerly Statice) of tufted herbs of the north temperate zone growing on mountains and the seashore; especially, the common thrift (A. maritima), having white or pink flower heads.
4. Obs. The state of one who thrives; prosperity.
5. Scot. & Brit. Dial. Effort; occupation; work. [<ON. Akin to THRIVE.]
—thrift′less adjective
—thrift′less·ly adverb
—thrift′·less·ness noun Synonyms: gain, profit, prosperity. See FRUGALITY.