proprietress

[ pruh-prahy-i-tris ]

noun

1. a woman who owns a business establishment.
2. a woman who has the exclusive right or title to something.

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proprietress¹

First recorded in 1685–95; propriet(o)r + -ess

Example Sentences

Irby is a well-known writer and comedian in Chicago and the proprietress of the blog Bitches Gotta Eat.

From The Daily Beast

Even the proprietress was seized with momentary lassitude, and also stood still, her hands leaning on the counter.

From Project Gutenberg

If the fact that she was also proprietress of a good farm detracted nothing from her charms, that was natural enough.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps it was just motherly jealousy of the new proprietress of Willie's time and attention.

From Project Gutenberg

“You see that young man,” said the honorable proprietress of the Hotel des Folies to her interlocutors.

From Project Gutenberg

It is entirely under the control of ladies, being managed by a proprietress and female clerks.

From Project Gutenberg