n. [ F. matrone, L. matrona, fr. mater mother. See Mother. ]
Your wives, your daughters,
Your matrons, and your maids. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a matron before she was a mother. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]
Jury of matrons (Law),
n.
Can a politician slight the feelings and convictions of the whole matronage of his country? Hare. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. matronalis. ] Of or pertaining to a matron; suitable to an elderly lady or to a married woman; grave; motherly. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The state of being a matron. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
Childbed matronizes the giddiest spirits. Richardson. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Like a matron; sedate; grave; matronly. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
n. [ L. mater mother + -nymic, as in patronimic. ] See Metronymic. [ 1913 Webster ]