ˈmā.trən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English matrone, from Middle French, from Latin matrona, from matr-, mater mother — more at mother
1.
a. : a married woman usually a mother and usually marked by a dignified maturity of age or manner or by considerable social distinction or by some other special prestige
b.
(1) : a woman superintendent or manager that takes care especially of the domestic economy of a usually public institution (as a hospital, prison) or that supervises the maintenance of order and discipline among women and children (as in a school, police station) or that holds some similar position of responsibility and trust
(2) : a woman guard or attendant (as in a prison for women)
c.
(1) : an attendant in a women's or children's rest room who assists patrons and keeps the room clean
(2) : parlormaid 2
d. : the presiding or chief officer in some women's organizations — compare patron
2. : brood matron