dame

(dām)

1. Used formerly as a courtesy title for a woman in authority or a mistress of a household.
2. a. A married woman; a matron.
   b. An elderly woman.
3. Slang A woman.
4. Chiefly British
   a. A woman holding a nonhereditary title conferred by a sovereign in recognition of personal merit or service to the country.
   b. The wife or widow of a knight.
   c. Used as the title for such a woman.