matronize

American  

[mey-truh-nahyz] / ˈmeɪ trəˌnaɪz /

especially British, matronise

verb (used with object)

matronized, matronizing

1. to cause to become matronly; cause to act as, or fulfill the role of, matron.

2. to serve as a matron to; chaperon.

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verb (used without object)

matronized, matronizing

1. to become a matron.

Etymology

Origin of matronize

First recorded in 1745–55; matron + -ize

Example Sentences

You can't agree to matronize me—let me buy furniture for you, and then abandon me, cut off my social opportunities— leave me—" "Social opportunity!

From The Bacillus of Beauty A Romance of To-day by Stark, Harriet

But he said that he was going with his wife, and that if we would come along she could matronize us both.

From A Fearful Responsibility and Other Stories by Howells, William Dean

Just introduce me for your grandmother, will you, and I will matronize the party.'

From Wych Hazel by Warner, Susan

Josiah is to matronize me—or, if you like, patronize me.

From Westways by Mitchell, S. Weir (Silas Weir)

"My art is my chaperon," she wrote to an elderly relative who wished to come to Boston and matronize her.

From The Pagans by Bates, Arlo