ETYM Latin frugalis, from frugi, lit., for fruit; hence, fit for food, useful, proper, temperate, the dative of frux, frugis, fruit, akin to Eng. fruit: cf. French frugal. Related to Fruit.
Economical in the use or appropriation of resources; not wasteful or lavish; wise in the expenditure or application of force, materials, time, etc.; characterized by frugality; thrifty; economical.