marchioness

[ mahr-shuh-nis, mahr-shuh-nes ]

noun

, British.

1. marquise ( defs 1, 2 ).

marchioness

/ ˈmɑːʃənɪs; ˌmɑːʃəˈnɛs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a marquis
2. a woman who holds the rank of marquis

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of marchioness¹

1770–80; < Medieval Latin marchiōnissa, equivalent to marchiōn- (stem of marchiō ) marquis + -issa -ess

Word History and Origins

Origin of marchioness¹

C16: from Medieval Latin marchionissa, feminine of marchiō marquis

Example Sentences

A marchioness is to stand trial accused of dangerous driving after a crash involving four vehicles.

From BBC

“The best I can do for you is marchioness.”

From Washington Post

An exquisite garden on site, designed by the marchioness of Salisbury, pays homage to him.

From New York Times

Titian's portrait of Isabella d' Este, marchioness of Mantua, which hangs in Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, shows her as a twentysomething beauty, soft skin unblemished by wrinkles, in the bloom of youth.

From The Guardian

Finally the bigoted marchioness yielded, and for a round sum of money, in 1512, permitted the exiles to return and dwell in peace.

From Project Gutenberg