matronly

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having the dignified, caring, or authoritative qualities traditionally associated with a mature woman

   Her matronly manner immediately calmed the frightened children.

2. 2
   adj

   conventionally respectable but unfashionable or dowdy in appearance, sometimes disapproving

   The costume designer chose a matronly dress with a high collar.

Formed from matron + -ly. Matron comes through French from Latin matrona, a married woman or woman of rank, itself related to mater, 'mother.'

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