Main Entry:
la·dy
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural ladies
Usage:
often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English
hl[AE]fdige, from
hlAf bread +
-dige (akin to
d[AE]ge kneader of bread), more at
[SIZE=-1]LOAF[/SIZE],
[SIZE=-1]DAIRY[/SIZE]
1 a : a woman having proprietary rights or authority especially as a feudal superior
b : a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover
2 capitalized : [SIZE=-1]VIRGIN MARY[/SIZE] -- usually used with
Our
3 a : a woman of superior social position
b : a woman of refinement and gentle manners
c : [SIZE=-1]WOMAN[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]FEMALE[/SIZE] -- often used in a courteous reference <show the
lady to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <
ladies and gentlemen>
4 a : [SIZE=-1]WIFE[/SIZE] b : [SIZE=-1]GIRLFRIEND[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]MISTRESS[/SIZE]
5 a : any of various titled women in Great Britain -- used as the customary title of (1) a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness or (2) the wife of a knight, baronet, member of the peerage, or one having the courtesy title of
lord and used as a courtesy title for the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl
b : a woman who is a member of an order of knighthood -- compare
[SIZE=-1]DAME[/SIZE]
imp: 
