matrons

Some look like sleepy imperious matrons, which is not surprising, given that it's a little after 10 a.m.

Duck, duck, owl: Patuxent research center is for the birds John Kelly 2010

Some look like sleepy imperious matrons, which is not surprising, given that it's a little after 10 a.m.

Duck, duck, owl: Patuxent research center is for the birds John Kelly 2010

He celebrated his colleague's obsequies with all the pomp possible in those days, but far greater honour was done to the dead by the universal mourning, which was rendered specially noteworthy by the fact that the matrons were a whole year in mourning for him, because he had been such a determined avenger of violated chastity.

The History of Rome, Vol. I 1905

She had heard of reformatory institutions, and of discreet persons called matrons who managed them.

Heart and Science A Story of the Present Time Wilkie Collins 1856

At present it is decided by a jury of court matrons, that is, courtiers, that I must write to my Lord Bute and explain the whole, and why I desire to come now -- don't fear;

The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 3 Horace Walpole 1757

And a result of hospital amalgamations was that the number of director of nursing jobs (formerly known as matrons) had been halved.

northernstar.com.au: The Northern Star 2009

Grahamstown school would be closing it's boarding hostels early this term because Bisho had not paid essential administrative staff such as matrons and secretaries.

ANC Daily News Briefing 1998

No woman seems ever to have entered that dreadful prison except those "matrons" who came officially as has been already said.

Jeanne d'Arc Oliphant, Mrs. 1896

Rabbi Jose was evidently an adept in meeting the puzzling questions of women, for as many as sixteen interviews between him and "matrons" are recorded in Agadic literature.

The Book of Delight and Other Papers Israel Abrahams 1891

"Well," said Cicero, "that is better than to have been at the 'matrons' worship. '"

Roman life in the days of Cicero Alfred John Church 1870