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duenna

noun
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du·​en·​na | \ dü-ˈe-nə How to pronounce duenna (audio) , dyü- \

Definition of duenna

1 : an elderly woman serving as governess and companion to the younger ladies in a Spanish or a Portuguese family
2 : chaperone

Other Words from duenna

duennaship \ dü-​ˈe-​nə-​ˌship How to pronounce duenna (audio) , dyü-​ \ noun

First Known Use of duenna

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for duenna

Spanish dueña, from Latin domina mistress — more at dame

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“Duenna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duenna. Accessed 15 May. 2021.

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