n. [ F. matrone, L. matrona, fr. mater mother. See Mother. ]
Your wives, your daughters,
Your matrons, and your maids. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a matron before she was a mother. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]
Jury of matrons (Law),
n.
Can a politician slight the feelings and convictions of the whole matronage of his country? Hare. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. matronalis. ] Of or pertaining to a matron; suitable to an elderly lady or to a married woman; grave; motherly. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The state of being a matron. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
Childbed matronizes the giddiest spirits. Richardson. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Like a matron; sedate; grave; matronly. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
n. [ L. mater mother + -nymic, as in patronimic. ] See Metronymic. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ D. matroos, fr. F. matelot. ] (Mil.) Formerly, in the British service, a gunner or a gunner's mate; one of the soldiers in a train of artillery, who assisted the gunners in loading, firing, and sponging the guns. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]