noun
mistress
A woman exercising accomplished command over something.
The conductor is a mistress of timing, shaping every pause.
Etymology
The older title names a woman with a master's authority or skill. This sense preserves that command in relation to an art, subject, or other field.
More examples
- She remains mistress of her own destiny.
- As mistress of the household, she oversees the staff.
- Both pianists are mistresses of their craft.
Forms
mistress · mistresses