noun
madam
A woman who runs a brothel.
The novel's madam manages a brothel near the harbor.
Etymology
The respectful address literally means my lady. English specialized this title for the woman in charge of a brothel, preserving the notion of a female proprietor or authority.
More examples
- The madam negotiated with the landlord.
- Two madams controlled the rival establishments.
- The investigator interviewed the former madam.
Forms
madam · madams
Similar words
- proprietress
- A woman owning an establishment, not specifically a brothel.