[la.dy] n, pl ladies often attrib [ME, fr. OE hlaefdige, fr. hlaf bread + -dige (akin to daege kneader of bread)--more at loaf, dairy] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a woman having proprietary rights or authority esp. as a feudal superior b: a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover
2. cap: virgin mary--usu. 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 ~ to a seat" or usu. in the pl. 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 female member of an order of knighthood--compare dame