lady

noun (plural ladies) Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hlǣfdige, from hlāf bread + -dige (akin to dǣge kneader of bread) — more at loaf, dairy Date: before 12th century 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 Virgin Mary — usually used with Our 3. a. a woman of superior social position b. a woman of refinement and gentle manners c. woman, female — often used in a courteous reference <

show the lady to a seat

> or usually in the plural in address <

ladies and gentlemen

> 4. a. wife b. girlfriend, mistress 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 dame