Definition

Noun: 1. A female ogre: In folklore and mythology, an ogress is a monstrous, cruel, and often man-eating female creature. She is the female counterpart of an ogre. 2. (Figurative) A cruel or frightening woman: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a woman who is considered to be vicious, brutal, or terrifying in her behavior.

Usage

The word "ogress" is used to specify the female gender of the mythical creature "ogre." It is primarily found in fairy tales, folklore, and fantasy contexts. Its figurative use is often derogatory and emphasizes extreme cruelty or ugliness of character.

Examples

• Literal (Folklore):
  • The story tells of an ogress who lived in a castle deep in the woods and captured lost travelers.
  • In the tale, the hero must rescue the children from the clutches of the wicked ogress.
• Figurative:
  • The strict headmistress was described by the students as a real ogress.
  • His new stepmother was a perfect ogress, making his life miserable.

Advanced Usage

• "play the ogress": To act in a deliberately cruel or intimidating manner.
  • She didn't want to play the ogress, but she had to be firm with the disobedient children.

Variants and Related Words

• Ogre (noun): The male counterpart; a monstrous, cruel, and often man-eating giant or creature.
  • The ogre terrorized the village.
• Ogrish (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of an ogre; monstrously cruel.
  • His ogrish behavior frightened everyone.

Synonyms

• Hag: An ugly old woman, often with malicious or evil connotations.
• Harridan: A strict, bossy, or belligerent old woman.
• Monster (figurative): A person of inhuman cruelty or wickedness.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Like an ogress": Behaving with great cruelty or ferocity.
  • She guarded her territory like an ogress, allowing no one to enter.

Noun

1. (folklore) a female ogre