the.com/matron
The woman in charge who learned mercy is sharper when it's also iron.
means A married or older woman of respected standing, especially one who supervises others — in a hospital, school, or institution.
from From Latin matrona, 'married woman, lady,' built on mater, 'mother' — the same ancient root that gives us maternal, matrimony, and matter (in the sense of substance, the 'mother-stuff' of things). It reached English through Old French matrone, carrying that maternal authority intact: not just a mother by blood, but a woman whose word ran a household — and later a ward.
- origin
- From Latin matrona, meaning respectable married woman
- prison rank
- Once the formal title for female jail officers
- hospital era
- Ruled wards with terrifying, spotless authority
- honor of matron
- A married attendant beside the bride at weddings
- matronymic
- Surnames passed down through the mother exist
margaret thatcher — british prime minister 1979-1990, known as the 'iron lady' who dominated her cabinet and party
oprah winfrey — media mogul and talk show host since 1986 who controls a media empire and mentors talent