n. 1 a married woman, esp. a dignified and sober one. 2 a woman managing the domestic arrangements of a school etc. 3 Brit. a woman in charge of the nursing in a hospital. °Now usu. called senior nursing officer. matron of honour a married woman attending the bride at a wedding. matronhood n.
[ ME f. OF matrone f. L matrona f. mater matris mother ]