duenna
1
9.9
- noun
- /dʊˈɛnə/
- Archaic
- An ornate Moorish door is pushed open by the Duenna's hand.
Examples
-
" My father makes an admirable duenna." "I don't believe he will serve," she said austerely.
Fiction book (1991) -
As she prepared for the ball, her duenna ensured that she followed all the proper etiquette.
-
Then a Duenna appears and motions for Columbus to follow.
Fiction book (1992) -
Am I to understand that my betrothed is allowed to wander about the countryside without a duenna?
-
In Coypel's illustration, the emphasis is on the one "Afflicted Matron," though we can make out the other veiled, bearded duennas in the background.
Academic text (1996) -
Even in Corinne's early teens, when a child, though a child, can still bear a child, Gram had been forced to play the role of watchdog duenna, reluctantly reigning dowager in the circle of mothers at parties.
Fiction book (1995) -
I was only a cousin, about his own age and considerably less self-assured than he looked, spectacles slipping woefully down my nose, licensed as neither duenna nor private eye, nervous of making a fool of myself and showing it in the crush of a large party in a small apartment, where it took a shout to be heard at all, and elbows jostled into conversations from all sides.
Fiction book (2002) -
The young woman felt more at ease knowing her duenna was nearby to guide her through the social gathering.
-
At the outdoor pavilion, the duenna watched closely, ready to intervene if young ladies misbehaved.
Synonyms
39
4.8
A person, often an adult, who goes with young people at events to make sure they behave
9
7.1
A person who goes with and watches young people at events to make sure they behave
Antonyms
441
3.0
Freedom from control by others, for example when a country is free or a person supports themselves
How Strict
Surface Forms
Etymology
Duenna comes from Spanish dueña, which means 'woman in charge' or 'mistress', and from Latin domina, meaning 'lady of the house', the same root as English domestic and domain. So a duenna was originally the household woman who watched over and protected younger women, which is why today it means a chaperone.