donna

Definition

A lady, especially a noblewoman; the title given to a lady in Italy.

Etymology

From Italian donna. Doublet of dame and domina.

Example Sentences

• "What are the songs of Italy, sung as they are by the donnas of the scenic board, but a replication of squalls and quavers, infinitely more annoying than the gibberish of crones[…]"
• "In Don Giovannis three female characters, the diverse spectrum of womanhood is rendered complete: the great opera seria character of the avenging Donna Anna, the sentimental and spurned Donna' Elvira, and the crafty but sympathetic peasant girl Zerlina."