Lady Bountiful

American  

noun

plural

Lady Bountifuls, Ladies Bountiful

1. a wealthy lady in George Farquhar's The Beaux' Stratagem, noted for her kindness and generosity.

2. (sometimes lowercase) a woman of noteworthy generosity or charity.

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lady bountiful British  

noun

1. an ostentatiously charitable woman

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Etymology

Origin of lady bountiful

after a character in George Farquhar's play The Beaux' Stratagem (1707)

Example Sentences

“Your predictions sometimes come to pass, but I don’t believe that one will. I’m sure I wish it would, for if I can’t be an artist myself, I should like to be able to help those who are,” said Amy, smiling, as if the part of Lady Bountiful would suit her better than that of a poor drawing teacher.

From Literature

But count on it: The District’s days of playing Lady Bountiful, ostentatiously spending other people’s money on benevolent causes, are numbered.

From Washington Post

That she apparently contains multitudes is an especially useful trait in joining the joyful Lady Bountiful of the opening scenes with the mad misanthrope of the later ones.

From New York Times

That means Ljuba is someone Lorraine can patronize as Lady Bountiful.

From New York Times

Just when you think Marnie’s grating, un-self-aware Lady Bountiful act couldn’t get more patronizing, “The Meddler” morphs into something tender, even poignant.

From Washington Post