peeress

American  

[peer-is] / ˈpɪər ɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a peer.

2. a woman having in her own right the rank of a peer.

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peeress British  

/ ˈpɪərɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a peer

2. a woman holding the rank of a peer in her own right

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Gender

See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of peeress

First recorded in 1680–90; peer ² + -ess

Example Sentences

However, on her appointment as minister for Europe, she became a peeress in her own right.

From BBC

The next day’s Times heralded the event as the “birth of international television,” marveling that American viewers “probably saw more than the peers and peeresses in their seats in the transept.”

From New York Times

A number of Private Member's Bills followed, as did motions set down by Lord Astor, the husband of Nancy Astor - the first woman MP - but all failed to get peeresses into the Lords.

From BBC

The new London régime exactly suits the future peeresses of the old country when they are fresh from New York.

From Project Gutenberg

When the cavalcade stops there is a stir among the peeresses, for they cannot see round the corner, and are much disgusted by the fact.

From Project Gutenberg