detractress

English

Etymology

From detractor +‎ -ess.

Noun

detractress (plural detractresses)

1. (obsolete) A female detractor.
   • 1715 March 20 (Gregorian calendar), Joseph Addison, “The Free-holder: No. 23. Wednesday, March 9. [1715.]”, in The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison, Esq; […], volume IV, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], published 1721, →OCLC:

     That if any shall detract from a Lady's Character, […] the said Detractress shall be forthwith ordered to the lowest place of the Room.

References

• “detractress”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.

Anagrams

• crested rats