| matron | 1. A wife or a widow, especially, one who has borne children; a woman of staid or motherly manners. "Your wives, your daughters, Your matrons, and your maids." (Shak) "Grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a matron before she was a mother." (Fuller) 2. A housekeeper; especially, a woman who manages the domestic economy of a public instution; a head nurse in a hospital; as, the matron of a school or hospital. Jury of matrons, a jury of experienced women called to determine the question of pregnancy when set up in bar of execution, and for other cognate purposes. Origin: F. Matrone, L. Matrona, fr. Mater mother. See Mother. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| matronal | Of or pertaining to a matron; suitable to an elderly lady or to a married woman; grave; motherly. Origin: L. Matronalis. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |