mistress

• Nom désignant une femme entretenant une relation adultère durable avec un homme ; historiquement, il désignait aussi une maîtresse de maison, une institutrice ou une femme exerçant une autorité sur d'autres personnes.

A noun referring to a woman who has an ongoing extramarital relationship with a man, historically also used for a female schoolteacher or a woman who directs the work of others.

1. Extramarital partnerB2formal

   A woman who is in a continuing sexual relationship with a man who is married to someone else.

   maîtresse (femme adultère)

   • He was seen in public with his mistress.
   • The scandal involved the politician and his mistress.
   • She was known to be the mistress of a wealthy businessman.

   Synonymesconcubinekept womanloverparamour

2. Female teacherB1formalbritish

   A woman who teaches at a school, especially one who is perceived as strict or authoritative.

   Maîtresse d'école

   • The new mistress was very strict with the students.
   • She worked as a school mistress for over thirty years.
   • The head mistress addressed the assembly every morning.

   Synonymesgovernessinstructressschoolmarmschoolmistressteacher

3. Female master or directorB2formal

   A woman who has control or authority over something, such as a household, servants, or a business.

   maîtresse (femme qui a autorité)

   • She was the mistress of the estate, managing all the affairs.
   • The dog obeyed its mistress without hesitation.
   • As mistress of the household, she oversaw all the servants.

   Synonymeschatelainedirectorheadladymanagermatronproprietress