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:
“In Hydaspia, by Howzen,
Lived a lady, Lady Lowzen,
For whom what is was other things.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“The Lady Amelia would not for worlds have had the de Courcy blood defiled; but gold she thought could not defile.”
—Anthony Trollope (1815–1882)
“There is scarcely a young lady in the united kingdoms, who would not rather put up with the misfortune of being sought by a clever, agreeable man, than have him driven away by the vulgarity of her nearest relations.”
—Jane Austen (1775–1817)