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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Matron \Ma"tron\, n. [F. matrone, L. matrona, fr. mater mother.
See {Mother}.]
1. A wife or a widow, especially, one who has borne children;
a woman of staid or motherly manners.
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Your wives, your daughters,
Your matrons, and your maids. --Shak.
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Grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a
matron before she was a mother. --Fuller.
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2. A housekeeper; esp., a woman who manages the domestic
economy of a public instution; a head nurse in a hospital;
as, the matron of a school or hospital.
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{Jury of matrons} (Law), a jury of experienced women called
to determine the question of pregnancy when set up in bar
of execution, and for other cognate purposes.
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