Definition of thrift | Bee Dictionary of English

n any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the genus Armeria having round heads of pink or white flowers
n extreme care in spending money; reluctance to spend money unnecessarily

But the building took on a gloomier symbolism last month when federal regulators seized the now insolvent thrift and ousted its top executives.
Finally, the Bill Has Come Due Bush puts forth a thrift-industry bailout plan that could cost $200 billion during the next three decades, but is it enough to solve the problem?.
A Chicago writer hit some thrift stores, tossed in a little time, craftwork, and creativity, and put together fashionable duds that resemble something you might see on the runway.

Thrift shop a big boost for Assistance League of Conejo Valley
One year ago, an all-volunteer team of women from the Assistance League of Conejo Valley decided to open the thrift shop as a primary source of funding for their philanthropic programs.
June 22, 2013 - Ventura County Star
THRIFT SHOP OFFERS TREASURES
LEOMINSTER - Deacon’s Closet Thrift Shop, located upstairs at The Congregational Church of Christ, UCC, 583 Main St., is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. If you like their spring flea market and church suppers, you’ll love the treasures waiting for you at the thrift shop! All proceeds go to the ministries of the Congregational Church of Christ.
June 20, 2013 - Leominster Champion
Hospital thrift shop donates 40K to charity
The Thrift Shop of Phoenixville Hospital donated $40,500 to ten local community organizations at the 38th annual Donation Reception held on Monday, June 17, marking the largest donation in the organization's history. The Thrift Shop, located at 238 Church Street, sells new and gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares and children's items.
June 20, 2013 - The Phoenix

Charles Grassley in USA Today
Citing that disclosure, Grassley asked, "What does that mean about the real financial condition of other banks? The role of the Office of Thrift Supervision, as the name says, is to supervise these banks, not conspire with them."
David Cameron in Reuters UK
You look at the scenario you're dealt and you start looking around, that's what (former Pirates GM) Syd Thrift did. Who do we need to trade? What do we need to get this thing (going) over the long haul? You have to do things that aren't instantly... Jim Leyland http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Leyland&source=dictionary&usg=AFQjCNEIxeuwUJz51u5uZv1s_F4vYKlyNw International Herald Tribune http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/09/sports/BBO-Pirates-Tigers-Leyland.php&source=dictionary&usg=AFQjCNGbzcvG4hQsIfF7nIShxoTYMUZ6kg Mar 9, 2008 99858 132584 thrift A culture of thrift at the heart of government, and a culture of saving at the heart of our economy -- these changes will provide strong foundations for the new economy we plan to build," Cameron said.