n.
Pronunciation: ' l ā -d ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ladies
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hl ǣ fdige, from hl ā f bread + -dige (akin to d ǣ ge 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