haus·frau \ˈhau̇sˌfrau̇\noun (pluralhausfraus \-au̇z\ ; alsohaus·frau·en \-au̇ən\) Etymology: German, from haus house (from Old High German hūs) + frau wife, woman, from Old High German frouwa lady, mistress — more at house, frau : the mistress of a household : housewife < the women were dumpy, overworked hausfraus, regarded only for their ability to work harder than any hired man — Joanna Spencer >