LADY


Meaning of LADY in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈlā-dē ]

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.