grandedame

grande dame (grăndʹ dămʹ, grändʹ dämʹ) n. pl. grandes dames, also grand dames (grăndʹ dămʹ, grändʹ dämʹ)

1. A highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman.

2. A respected woman having extensive experience in her field:

the grande dame of women's professional tennis.

  [French : grande, great + dame, lady.]

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