[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, The Boke Named the Gouernour, III. xxi. The auncient temperaunce, and moderation in diete, called sobrietie, or in a more general terme, frugalitie.
a. 1568. 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, 8 July, ¶ 2. I married a Wife with no great fortune, but of 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, without detracting from your Character.
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.
