Duenna
[dju(:)'enә]
Definition
(n.) The chief lady in waiting on the queen of Spain.
(n.) An elderly lady holding a station between a governess and companion, and appointed to have charge over the younger ladies in a Spanish or a Portuguese family.
(n.) Any old woman who is employed to guard a younger one; a governess.
Editor: Sheldon
Definition
n. an old lady who acts the part of governess in Spain: an old lady who acts as guardian to a younger.
Inputed by Bess
Examples
- Endeavouring to imitate the voice of an old duenna, Argyle begged to know who was at the door. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- She might have coaxed me to say no if I had been the hardest-hearted duenna in the world. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- We were shown into a parlour by an old, dirty duenna, who assured us her mistress was engaged, and she regretted it of all things. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
Editor: William