Wiktionary:Word of the day/2024/December 28

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grande dame n (also attributive)

A woman who is high-ranking, socially prominent, or has a dignified character, especially one who is advanced in age and haughty. A woman who is accomplished and influential, and is a respected senior figure in a particular field; a doyenne. (figurative) A very highly regarded and well-known institution or structure, or large conveyance such as a ship. The English actress Dame Maggie Smith was born on this day 90 years ago in 1934; she died on 27 September.

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