Definition of "wifes"

[…] for all that he had, was litle enough to ſatisfie his wifes ioynter.

1579, Plutarke of Chæronea [i.e., Plutarch], “The Life of Paulus Æmilius”, in Thomas North, transl., The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romaines, […], London: […] Richard Field, page 265

And fearing leſt the torments he felt, might in ſome ſort entender his wifes heart; […], he beſought her to be pleaſed he might be caried into the next chamber, which was accordingly performed.

1603, Michel de Montaigne, “Of three good Women”, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], page 429

De Salez her Husband ſtriving and ſtrugling for life againſt the pangs of death; fear and haſt (contrary to her intent and mind) had ſo made his murtherous wifes hand ſhake and tremble, as ſhe did not ſo fully cut his throat-bole, but he could yet both cry and groan, which he did very mournfully, and which indeed was ſoon over-heard by a man and a maid-ſervant of his, […]

1662, John Reynolds, “History XI”, in The Triumphs of Gods Revenge against the Crying and Execrable Sin of Murther. […] Book III, London: […] A. M. for William Lee, […], page 152