dame
UK: deɪm | US: deɪm
n. 1. (historical) A title of honor for a woman equivalent to "knight" for a man.
n. 2. (informal, often humorous or derogatory) A woman, especially an older or authoritative one.
dame = dam<lady> + e (silent)
- dam (from Old French dame, Latin domina "lady, mistress of the household")
- e (silent letter, common in French-derived English words)
Etymology Origin:
The word dame traces back to Latin domina (mistress, lady of the house), which evolved into Old French dame. It entered Middle English as a title of respect for noblewomen, later broadening to refer to women generally. The silent -e reflects its French origin, where final vowels often remain unpronounced. Over time, dame acquired informal or ironic connotations in modern usage.
She was appointed a dame by the Queen for her charitable work.
The strict dame ruled the classroom with an iron fist.
"Listen here, dame," he said playfully, tipping his hat.
In medieval times, a dame held significant social influence.
The film portrayed the dame as a sharp-tongued but wise character.