ETYM French dame, Late Lat. domna, from Latin domina mistress, lady, fem. of dominus master, ruler, lord; akin to domare to tame, subdue. Related to Tame, Dam a mother, Dan, Danger, Dungeon, Dominie, Don, Duenna.
In the UK honors system, the title of a woman who has been awarded the Order of the Bath, Order of St Michael and St George, Royal Victorian Order, or Order of the British Empire.
It is also in law the legal title of the wife or widow of a knight or baronet, placed before her name.
1. A woman of refinement; SYN. madam, madame, ma'am, lady, gentlewoman.
2. Informal terms for a (young) woman; SYN. doll, wench, skirt, chick, bird.