duenna

[ doo-en-uh, dyoo- ]

noun

1. (in Spain and Portugal) an older woman serving as escort or chaperon of a young lady.
2. a governess.

duenna

/ djuːˈɛnə /

noun

1. (in Spain and Portugal, etc) an elderly woman retained by a family to act as governess and chaperon to young girls

Other Words From

• du·enna·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of duenna¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from older Spanish duenna (modern Spanish dueña ), from Latin domina, feminine of dominus “lord, master”

Word History and Origins

Origin of duenna¹

C17: from Spanish dueña, from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master

Example Sentences

The result is hypnotic rather than instructive and, like TV cookery programmes, it's a cinematic experience resembling lap dancing overseen by a duenna.

From The Guardian

Almost all the pretty and young women were accompanied by an ostensible duenna, and the methods of eluding their vigilance in communication were various.

From Project Gutenberg

Two old duennas, of particularly vinegar aspect, advanced upon the girl, who for a moment clung to my friend's arm.

From Project Gutenberg

They thought so ill of her, she had so misbehaved herself, that a duenna was not enough; a clergyman must be sent to lecture her.

From Project Gutenberg

They were passing a few days in a scene of deep seclusion, there uncared for by tutor or duenna, and with no bar of routine to check the pranks of their gay, childish fancies.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• matron