[thrift] n [ME, fr. ON, prosperity, fr. thrifask to thrive] (13c) 1: healthy and vigorous growth
2: careful management esp. of money 3 chiefly Scot: gainful occupation
4: any of a genus (Armeria) of the plumbago family of perennial evergreen acaulescent herbs; esp: a scapose herb (A. maritima) with pink or white flower heads
5: a savings bank or savings and loan association--called also thrift institution