Definition of matron

< matro-

matron of honor >

ma·tron    (mtrn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A married woman or a widow, especially a mother of dignity, mature age, and established social position.
2. A woman who acts as a supervisor or monitor in a public institution, such as a school, hospital, or prison.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English matrone, from Old French, from Latin mtrna, from mter, mtr-, mother; see mter- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
matron·al(Adjective), matron·li·ness(Noun), matron·ly(Adverb)(Adjective)