/meuh dam", -dahm", ma-; mad"euhm/ ; Fr. /mann dannm"/ , n. , pl. mesdames /may dam", -dahm"/ ; Fr. /may dannm"/ . ( often cap. )
1. a French title of respect equivalent to "Mrs.", used alone or prefixed to a woman's married name or title: Madame Curie.
2. (in English) a title of respect used in speaking to or of an older woman, esp. one of distinction, who is not of American or British origin. Abbr.: Mme.
[ 1590-1600; ]