mistress etymology

Etymology:

The word "mistress" derives from the Old French word "maistresse," which in turn is derived from the Latin word "magistra," meaning "female teacher."

Meaning:

Mistress has several meanings:

• Female lover: A woman involved in a romantic or sexual relationship with a man who is already married or in a committed relationship.
• Woman in charge: A woman who has authority or control over others, especially in a professional or domestic setting.
• Female teacher or governess: In the past, a woman who taught or supervised children.
• Polite form of address: An archaic or formal way of addressing a woman, especially one in a position of authority or respect.

Origin:

The earliest known use of the word "mistress" in the sense of "female lover" dates back to the 14th century in England. It was originally used to refer to a woman who had an illicit relationship with a noble or wealthy man. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to any woman in a romantic or sexual relationship with a married or committed man.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the word "mistress" also began to be used to refer to women in positions of authority or control, such as the head of a household, a supervisor in a workplace, or a schoolteacher. This usage derives from the Latin root word "magistra," meaning "female teacher."

The use of "mistress" as a polite form of address for women has gradually declined over time, and it is now considered somewhat archaic. However, it is still sometimes used in formal settings, such as in legal documents or when addressing a female judge or other high-ranking official.

mistress relate terms

• master

  Etymology The word master comes from the Old French word maistre which in turn comes

• miss

  Etymological Origin The word miss has its roots in two languages Middle English mi

• mistress

  Etymology The word mistress derives from the Old French word maistresse which in tu

• schoolmarm

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• frau

  Etymology The word frau comes from the Middle High German MGH word vrouwe c 12th

• chatelaine

  Etymology Medieval French casteleyne feminine form of castelain from chastel from La

• dame

  Etymology The word dame comes from Middle English dame which in turn comes from Old

• doll

  Etymology Old English dōlle dulle Proto Germanic dukkǭ Proto Indo European dʰu

• natural

  Etymology The word natural comes from the Latin word natura which has a complex an

• woman

  Etymology The word woman comes from the Middle English word womman which in turn com