matronize

American  

[mey-truh-nahyz] / ˈmeɪ trəˌnaɪz /

especially British, matronise

verb (used with object)

matronized, matronizing

1. to cause to become matronly; cause to act as, or fulfill the role of, matron.

2. to serve as a matron to; chaperon.

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verb (used without object)

matronized, matronizing

1. to become a matron.

Etymology

Origin of matronize

First recorded in 1745–55; matron + -ize

Example Sentences

"I'm sure Aunt Marion ought to be here to matronize you," said Jack.

From Old Friends and New by Jewett, Sarah Orne

I dote upon chaperones; and by coming with this family, I had Mrs. Twamberley to matronize me.

From Pencil Sketches or, Outlines of Character and Manners by Leslie, Eliza

But he said that he was going with his wife, and that if we would come along she could matronize us both.

From A Fearful Responsibility and Other Stories by Howells, William Dean

Mrs. Lambert will matronize them; it'll be an old dance, rather, as far as the girls are concerned, but I've asked two or three buds; and some of the young married people.

From The Quality of Mercy by Howells, William Dean

"My art is my chaperon," she wrote to an elderly relative who wished to come to Boston and matronize her.

From The Pagans by Bates, Arlo