-duenna-

n.; pl. Duennas [ Sp. dueña, doña, fr. L. domina. See Dame. ] 1. The chief lady in waiting on the queen of Spain. Brande. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Any old woman who is employed to guard a younger one; a governess. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]