/mad"euhm/ , n. , pl. mesdames /may dam", -dahm"/ for 1; madams for 2, 3.
1. ( often cap. ) a polite term of address to a woman, originally used only to a woman of rank or authority: Madam President; May I help you, madam?
2. the woman in charge of a household: Is the madam at home?
3. the woman in charge of a house of prostitution.
[ 1250-1300; ME madame ma dame my lady; see DAME ]