virago

American  

[vi-rah-goh, -rey-] / vɪˈrɑ goʊ, -ˈreɪ- /

noun

plural

viragoes, viragos

1. a loud-voiced, ill-tempered, scolding woman; shrew.

   Synonyms:

   Xanthippe, harpy, termagant, nag, scold

2. Archaic. a woman of strength or spirit.

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virago British  

/ vɪˈrɑːɡəʊ, vɪˈrædʒɪnəs /

noun

1. a loud, violent, and ill-tempered woman; scold; shrew

2. archaic a strong, brave, or warlike woman; amazon

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Other Word Forms

• viraginous adjective
• virago-like adjective

Etymology

Origin of virago

before 1000; Middle English, Old English < Latin virāgō, equivalent to vir man + -āgō suffix expressing association of some kind, here resemblance

Example Sentences

Whether the mark is worth hitting is another matter; a comic duet that pits aging, carping viragos against each other in the manner of “Bosom Buddies” from “Mame” is not perhaps a feminist anthem.

From New York Times

Ms. Boycott chose the name — a virago is defined both as a strong, heroic woman and as a harpy — and it fit the mission, and perhaps also Ms. Callil’s persona.

From New York Times

The character's very name is a shorthand for manipulative viragos.

From Salon

It was someone laying down the law — without worrying that a man would label her a virago or harridan or termagant.

From New York Times

But to caricature Thatcher as either a hectoring virago or as a latter-day Boudicca is not just to indulge in lazy sexism; it contorts her psychology, her history and her approach to politics.

From New York Times