Definition

1. Noun:
   • A noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess: A "marchioness" is a woman who holds the title of marquess or marquis in her own right, placing her in the British peerage system between a duchess and a countess.
   • The wife or widow of a marquis: A "marchioness" is also the title given to the wife or widow of a man who holds the title of marquis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The marchioness presided over the charity ball with great elegance. (The noblewoman, holding the rank of marquess, presided over the event.)
  • Upon her husband's inheritance of the title, she became the marchioness. (She acquired the title by being the wife of a marquis.)

Advanced Usage

• "Marchioness" as a title of courtesy: In formal address and written correspondence, the title "Marchioness" is used before the woman's name or territorial designation.
  • The invitation was addressed to the Marchioness of Bath.

Variants and Related Words

• Marquess/Marquis (n): The male counterpart of a marchioness; a nobleman ranking below a duke and above an earl/count.
• Marquise (n): The French equivalent of "marchioness."

Synonyms

• Peeress: A woman who holds a peerage title, such as duchess, marchioness, or countess.
• Noblewoman: A woman belonging to the nobility.

Related Phrases

• "Her Ladyship the Marchioness": A formal style of address.
  • Her Ladyship the Marchioness will receive guests at three o'clock.

Noun

1. a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess
2. the wife or widow of a marquis