duenna Meaning, Definition & Usage

Du*en"na noun

Etymology

Sp. dueña, doña, fr. L. domina. See Dame.

Wordforms

plural Duennas

Definitions

1. The chief lady in waiting on the queen of Spain. Brande.
2. 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. Brande & C.
3. Any old woman who is employed to guard a younger one; a governess. Arbuthnot.