Dowagers

Not to say that pithy repartee is the sole preserve of comedy, Downton Abbey also returns this week Sunday, 9pm ITV1 viper-tongued Dowagers and all.

It's a good week for … One-liners 2011

Dowagers have to know their place, and recognise their moment in the sun has passed.

The Duchess of Devonshire: 'When you are very old, you cry over some things, but not a lot' 2010

Those classes were taught by Dowagers who were jealous of all the shapely legs, and alluring nature of a woman who crosses at the knee.

"I'm jealous. I can't do it either. I can't cross my legs sitting in a chair like that." Ann Althouse 2008

Dowagers love equipage; and these cannot travel ten miles without a sett, and half a dozen horsemen.

Clarissa Harlowe 2006

These Dowagers, dear TOBY, have, if I may say so -- using the phrase strictly in

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, March 14, 1891 Various

Dowagers had avowed their belief that the continuance of the

Four Years in Rebel Capitals An Inside View of Life in the Southern Confederacy from Birth to Death T. C. DeLeon

Dowagers and _dueñas_ were few; they sat in the same spot all the evening, and asked each other what rent they paid, how many _chimeneas_ (fireplaces) they had, whether they burned wood or coal, and lamented over the price of both.

Spanish Life in Town and Country L. Higgin

For 'golden-haired girl-graduates,' with 'Dowagers for Dons,'

Sagittulae, Random Verses Edward Woodley Bowling

But Bill stuck in the Commons, whilst ATKINSON turned his attention to his Dowagers Bill.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, March 14, 1891 Various

And you, dearest Mama, and all the aunts shall be Dowagers-in-Waiting.

Final Curtain Marsh, Ngaio, 1895-1982 1935