matronage

[ mey-truh-nij, ma- ]

noun

1. the state of being a matron.
2. guardianship by a matron.
3. matrons collectively.

matronage

/ ˈmeɪtrənɪdʒ /

noun

1. the state of being a matron
2. supervision or care by a matron
3. matrons collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of matronage¹

First recorded in 1765–75; matron + -age