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marchioness

American  
[mahr-shuh-nis, mahr-shuh-nes] / ˈmɑr ʃə nɪs, ˌmɑr ʃəˈnɛs /

noun

British.
  1. marquise.


marchioness British  
/ ˈmɑːʃənɪs, ˌmɑːʃəˈnɛs /

noun

  1. the wife or widow of a marquis

  2. a woman who holds the rank of marquis

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Gender

See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of marchioness

1770–80; < Medieval Latin marchiōnissa, equivalent to marchiōn- (stem of marchiō ) marquis + -issa -ess

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Botin family is part of Spain’s aristocracy - the King of Spain made Botin’s mother a marchioness in 2008.

From Reuters • Jan. 31, 2020

An exquisite garden on site, designed by the marchioness of Salisbury, pays homage to him.

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2014

One assumes there are many important moments in the life of a marchioness, which is the British aristocratic title that comes after duchess.

From Washington Post • Mar. 12, 2011

“My grandmother perennially gave joke presents,” she said, referring to the marchioness of Dufferin and Ava.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2010

As to the marchioness, her woe was also silent: eight days afterward, she was found dead, with her eyes fixed on Manoel’s portrait.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol IV. No. XX. January, 1852. by Various

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