taskmistress

American  

[task-mis-tris, tahsk-] / ˈtæskˌmɪs trɪs, ˈtɑsk- /

noun

1. a woman whose function it is to assign tasks, especially burdensome ones, to others.

2. a woman who supervises others' work rigorously.

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Gender

See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of taskmistress

First recorded in 1595–1605; task + mistress

Example Sentences

This description probably makes Ho sound like a taskmistress – an approachable one, but a drill coach more than the life coach that she is.

From Salon

Uncle Clifford is a taskmistress, but she minds her dancers less in the way of a madam than a mother hen.

From Salon

Mrs Merkel knows that standing out as Europe’s taskmistress will be resented.

From Economist

Ye find it not in luxury nor in gold, Not in the fame nor in the envied sway, For which O willing slaves to custom old, Severe taskmistress, ye your hearts have sold.

From Project Gutenberg

Humanity, her husband's faithful taskmistress, had not yet set her to work, and the long hours of his service left her lonely, and—the babies once in bed—at a loss.

From Project Gutenberg