marchioness

noun mar·chio·ness \ˈmär-sh(ə-)nəs\

Definition of MARCHIONESS

: the wife or widow of a marquess

: a woman who holds the rank of marquess in her own right

See marchioness defined for kids

Medieval Latin marchionissa, from marchion-, marchio marquess, from marca

First Known Use: 1570

MARCHIONESS Defined for Kids

noun mar·chio·ness \ˈmär-shə-nəs\

: the wife or widow of a marquess

: a woman who holds the rank of a marquess in her own right

Next Word in the Dictionary: marchpanePrevious Word in the Dictionary: marching ordersAll Words Near: marchioness

What made you want to look up marchioness? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears