Etymology

Formed within English on the adj. thrifti, formed on the n. thrift, which is always derived from ON (for full discussion, see vnþryfte (n.)).

PGmc Ancestor

*þrīfan- or *þrift-

Proposed ON Etymon (OIcel representative)

þrift (n.)(fem.) 'thrift', cp. þrif (n.)(neut.) 'thriving condition, prosperity'
(ONP þrift (sb.))

Other Scandinavian Reflexes

Icel þrift, Norw trîvst; cp. Icel þrif, Norw triv

OE Cognate

Phonological and morphological markers

Summary category

B1

Attestation

MED and OED have a handful of citations of this adv. from the late 14c. onwards, incl. Chaucer., but the adj. on which it is formed is common and widespread from the late 14c. See also vnþryfte (n.).

Occurrences in the Gersum Corpus

Cl 635

Bibliography

MED thriftī̆lī (adv.) , OED thriftily (adv.) , HTOED ; see further vnþryfte (n.).