n.; pl.Madams, or Mesdames [ See Madame. ] 1. A gentlewoman; -- an appellation or courteous form of address given to a lady, especially an elderly or a married lady; -- much used in the address, at the beginning of a letter, to a woman. The corresponding word in addressing a man is Sir; often abbreviated ma'am when used as a term of address. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The woman who is in charge of a household. [ PJC ]
3. The woman who is in charge of a brothel. [ PJC ]
‖n.; pl.Mesdames [ F., fr. ma my (L. mea) + dame dame. See Dame, and cf. Madonna. ] My lady; -- a French title formerly given to ladies of quality; now, in France, given to all married women. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]