Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In a manner becoming a matron.
  • Like a matron; characteristic of or suitable to a matron; elderly; ripe in years.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective Advanced in years; elderly.
  • adjective Like, or befitting, a matron; grave; sedate.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective In the capacity of a matron; serving as a housekeeper or head nurse.
  • adjective Exuding the authority, wisdom, power, and intelligence of an experienced woman.
  • adjective Having the appearance of a mature woman, often of larger physical stature and somewhat unkempt or dowdy.
  • adverb In the manner of a matron.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From matron +‎ -ly.

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Examples

  • Transition from maidenhood to what is called the matronly had been too rapid; it was emphasised by her costume, which cried aloud in its excess of modish splendour.

    The Crown of Life George Gissing 1880

  • The soft-eyed dame could scarcely be called a matronly personage.

    Erling the Bold 1859

  • Jesus was trying to sneak burlap into his garment instead of showcasing it as the main fabric, sewing yard after yard of ribbon over the burlap, creating a lame-o green and brown dress that was later called matronly, and rightfully so.

    The Clog 2010

  • Jesus was trying to sneak burlap into his garment instead of showcasing it as the main fabric, sewing yard after yard of ribbon over the burlap, creating a lame-o green and brown dress that was later called matronly, and rightfully so.

    The Clog 2010

  • Jesus was trying to sneak burlap into his garment instead of showcasing it as the main fabric, sewing yard after yard of ribbon over the burlap, creating a lame-o green and brown dress that was later called matronly, and rightfully so.

    The Clog 2010

  • Jesus was trying to sneak burlap into his garment instead of showcasing it as the main fabric, sewing yard after yard of ribbon over the burlap, creating a lame-o green and brown dress that was later called matronly, and rightfully so.

    The Clog 2010

  • Jesus was trying to sneak burlap into his garment instead of showcasing it as the main fabric, sewing yard after yard of ribbon over the burlap, creating a lame-o green and brown dress that was later called matronly, and rightfully so.

    The Clog 2010

  • "It's so matronly," Tim grimaces, and guys, if we do start a drinking game, "matronly" will give us alcohol poisoning.

    Una LaMarche: Project Runway Episode 2 Recap: Size Matters 2010

  • Peach escapes narrowly to design another day although her pink polka dot snore of a dress (even she admitted earlier it looked like "Barbie's sofa") is called "matronly" by the judges and like "an Amish cocktail dress" by MK (his lines are doubling me over so far this season).

    Holly Cara Price: Rubbernecking: Project Runway Season 8, Episodes 1 and 2 2010

  • Peach escapes narrowly to design another day although her pink polka dot snore of a dress (even she admitted earlier it looked like "Barbie's sofa") is called "matronly" by the judges and like "an Amish cocktail dress" by MK (his lines are doubling me over so far this season).

    Holly Cara Price: Rubbernecking: Project Runway Season 8, Episodes 1 and 2 2010

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