Webster's English Dictionary

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lady

Cross references:
  1. dame                   2. female                
 
la.dy \'la-d-e-\ n [ME, fr. OE hl-fdi-ge, fr. hla-f bread + -di often 
   attrib B-ge (akin to d-ge kneader of bread) - more at LOAF, DAIRY obs  
   1: a female head of a household : MISTRESS  2a: a woman having proprietary 
   rights or authority esp. as a feudal superio r 2b: a woman receiving the 
   homage or devotion of a knight or lover  cap  3: VIRGIN MARY - usu. used 
   with Our  4a: a woman of superior social position  4b: a woman of 
   refinement and gentle manners  4c: WOMAN, FEMALE  5: WIFE  6a: any of 
   various titled women in Great Britain - used as the customary  title of (1) 
   a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness and (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 6b: a female member of an order of knighthood