feme sole

[ sohl ]

noun

, Law.

, plural femes sole.

1. an unmarried woman, whether never married, widowed, or divorced.
2. a married woman who is independent of her husband with respect to property.

feme sole

noun

1. a single woman, whether spinster, widow, or divorcee
2. a woman whose marriage has been annulled or is otherwise independent of her husband, as by owning her own property

Word History and Origins

Origin of feme sole¹

Borrowed into English from Anglo-French around 1520–30

Word History and Origins

Origin of feme sole¹

C16: from Anglo-French: a woman alone

Example Sentences

If he should be put into the penitentiary, she may transact business as if she were a feme sole.

From Project Gutenberg

There is indeed one case where the wife shall sue and be sued as a feme sole, viz.

From Project Gutenberg

But at such a stage in social evolution, it is impossible to accept the dominance of the unsupported female or 'feme sole.'

From Project Gutenberg