frugality
(fruːˈgælɪtɪ)
[a. F. frugalité, ad. L. frūgālitāt-em, f. frūgālis: see frugal and -ity.]
The quality of being frugal; moderate or sparing expenditure or use of provisions, goods, etc.
| 1531 Elyot Gov. iii. xxi, The auncient temperaunce, and moderation in diete, called sobrietie, or in a more general terme, frugalitie. a 1568 R. Ascham Scholem. (Arb.) 136 Frugalitie in diet was priuately misliked: Towne going to good cheare openly vsed. 1651 Hobbes Govt. & Soc. xii. §9. 183 Riches are gotten with industry, and kept by frugality. 1758 Johnson Idler No. 13 ¶2 A family remarkable for domestic prudence and elegant frugality. 1807 Crabbe Par. Reg. i. 445 The wise frugality that does not give A life to saving, but that saves to live. 1881 P. Brooks Candle of Lord 128 In this miracle..there is a meeting of generosity and frugality which is striking. |
b. Const. of (? obs.).
| 1700 Dryden Fables Ded. (1721) 8 In this frugality of your praises there are some things which I cannot omit. |
c. Occasional uses: The product of frugality, wealth gathered by economy; also in pl. frugal ways of living, frugal fare.
| 1725 Pope Odyss. ii. 62 Thro' my court the noise of Revel rings, And wastes the wise frugality of Kings. 1842 Kingsley Lett. (1878) I. 61 A temporary sharer in the frugalities of my farm house lodging. |