marchioness

[mahr-shuh-nis, mahr-shuh-nes]

noun

British.

1. marquise.

marchioness

/ ˈmɑːʃənɪs, ˌmɑːʃəˈnɛs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a marquis

2. a woman who holds the rank of marquis

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of marchioness¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of marchioness¹

C16: from Medieval Latin marchionissa, feminine of marchiō _marquis