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.

Read more about Lady:  Etymology and Usage

Famous quotes containing the word lady:

    Then think I thus: sith such repair,
    So long time war of valiant men,
    Was all to win a lady fair,
    Shall I not learn to suffer then,
    And think my life well spent to be,
    Serving a worthier wight than she?
    Henry Howard, Earl Of Surrey (1517?–1547)

    Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet;
    In short, my deary, kiss me and be quiet.
    Mary Wortley, Lady Montagu (1689–1762)

    When a lady of wealth, is seen roaming about in search of cheaper articles, or trying to beat down a shopkeeper, or making a close bargain with those she employs, the impropriety is glaring to all minds. A person of wealth has no occasion to spend time in looking for extra cheap articles; her time could be more profitably employed in distributing to the wants of others. And the practice of beating down tradespeople, is vulgar and degrading, in any one.
    Catherine E. Beecher (1800–1878)