virago

Definition

A woman given to undue belligerence or ill manner at the slightest provocation.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin virāgō (“warlike or heroic woman”, literally “manlike”).

Example Sentences

• "Not unnaturally, “Auntie” took this communication in bad part. Thus outraged, she showed herself to be a bold as well as a furious virago. Next day she found her way to their lodgings and tried to recover her ward by the hair of the head."
• "Joan was all Arden, grinning there, siding with her virago mother."

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