MATRONLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does matronly mean? 

• MATRONLY (adjective)
  The adjective MATRONLY has 1 sense:

1. befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman

  Familiarity information: MATRONLY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MATRONLY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman

Context example:

her matronly figure

Similar:

feminine; womanly (befitting or characteristic of a woman especially a mature woman)

Derivation:

matron (a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified)

 Context examples 

"I wonder if you will ever grow up, Laurie," said Meg in a matronly tone.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I looked: I saw a woman attired like a well-dressed servant, matronly, yet still young; very good-looking, with black hair and eyes, and lively complexion.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Mary, a matronly young blonde, was washing dishes in the little back room that served for kitchen and dining room.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Men are so helpless, Mother, said Amy, with a matronly air, which delighted her husband.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Had Grace been young and handsome, I should have been tempted to think that tenderer feelings than prudence or fear influenced Mr. Rochester in her behalf; but, hard-favoured and matronly as she was, the idea could not be admitted.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

"I shall take some up to Mother, though she said we were not to think of her, for she'd take care of herself," said Meg, who presided and felt quite matronly behind the teapot.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)