ˈpast-ˌmistress
Also past mistress
[After prec.]
A woman well skilled in some accomplishment or study.
| 1868 M. E. Braddon Dead Sea Fr. (ed. Tauchn.) II. vi. 90 The lovely proprietress..was past-mistress in the art. 1892 Athenæum 23 July 129/1 Her portrayal of Grimalkin in his fiercer mood proves her a past-mistress of cat character. 1915 [see cock-and-bull 3]. 1939 A. Thirkell Before Lunch iii. 56 Mrs. Middleton was a past mistress in the art of keeping a staff. 1974 G. Butler Coffin for Canary vi. 72, I would meet reproachful gazes from Sarah. She was a past mistress in the art of giving me such a look. |