duennas

1 definition found

duennas - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Duenna \Du*en"na\, n.; pl. Duennas. [Sp. due[~n]a, do[~n]a,
     fr. L. domina. See Dame.]
     1. The chief lady in waiting on the queen of Spain. --Brande.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An elderly lady holding a station between a governess and
        companion, and appointed to have charge over the younger
        ladies in a Spanish or a Portuguese family. --Brande & C.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Any old woman who is employed to guard a younger one; a
        governess. --Arbuthnot.
        [1913 Webster]