ˈmɪstrɪs n. 1 a
female head of a
household. 2 a a
woman in
authority over others. b
the female
owner of a pet. 3 a woman
with power to
control etc. (often foll. by
of: mistress of the situation). 4
Brit. a a female
teacher (music mistress). b a female head of a
college etc. 5 a a woman (other
than his wife) with
whom a
married man has a (usu. prolonged)
sexual relationship. b
archaic or
poet. a woman loved
and courted by a man. 6 archaic or
dial. (as a title) =
MRS. øMistress of the Robes a
lady in
charge of the Queen's
wardrobe. [ME f. OF maistresse f. maistre MASTER]