virago

vi·ra·go

noun
\və-ˈrä-(ˌ)gō, -ˈrā-; ˈvir-ə-ˌgō\

plural vi·ra·goes or vi·ra·gos

Definition of VIRAGO

1

: a loud overbearing woman : termagant

2

: a woman of great stature, strength, and courage

— vi·rag·i·nous \və-ˈra-jə-nəs\ adjective

Examples of VIRAGO

1. <fairy tales that typically portray stepmothers as viragoes>

Origin of VIRAGO

Middle English, from Latin viragin-, virago, from vir man — more at virile

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VIRAGO

Synonyms: battle-ax (or battle-axe), dragon lady, fury, harpy, harridan, termagant, shrew, vixen

Related Words: fishwife, gorgon; carper, castigator, caviler (or caviller), censurer, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold; belittler, derider, detractor; pettifogger, quibbler

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