Main Entry: la·dy

Pronunciation: \ˈlā-dē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ladies

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hlǣfdige, from hlāf bread + -dige (akin to dǣge kneader of bread) — more at loaf, dairy

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a woman having proprietary rights or authority especially as a feudal superior b : a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover
2 capitalized : virgin mary —usually used with Our
3 a : a woman of superior social position b : a woman of refinement and gentle manners c : woman, female —often used in a courteous reference <show the lady to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>
4 a : wife b : girlfriend, mistress
5 a : any of various titled women in Great Britain —used as the customary title of (1) a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness or (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 b : a woman who is a member of an order of knighthood — compare dame