Lady
The word lady is a polite term for a woman, specifically the female equivalent to, or spouse of, a lord or gentleman, and in many contexts a term for any adult woman. Once relating specifically to women of high social class or status, over the last 300 years it has spread to embrace all adult women, though in some contexts may still be used to evoke a concept of "ladylike" standards of behaviour.
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Famous quotes containing the word lady:
“I spoke at a woman’s club in Philadelphia yesterday and a young lady said to me afterwards, “Well, that sounds very nice, but don’t you think it is better to be the power behind the throne?” I answered that I had not had much experience with thrones, but a woman who has been on a throne, and who is now behind it, seems to prefer to be on the throne.”
—Anna Howard Shaw (1847–1919)
“In proceeding to the dining-room, the gentleman gives one arm to the lady he escorts—it is unusual to offer both.”
—Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)
“It is perfectly right for a gentleman to say “ladies and gentlemen,” but a lady should say, “gentlemen and ladies.” You mention your friend’s name before you do your own. I always feel like rebuking any woman who says, “ladies and gentlemen.” It is a lack of good manners.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)