procuress
(prəʊˈkjʊərɪs)
[ME. procuˈresse, syncopated from OF. procureˈresse (14th c.), fem. of procureur procurer: cf. governess.]
† 1. A female advocate or defender. Obs. rare.
| 1413 Compl. Soul 169 in Hoccleve's Wks. (E.E.T.S.) III. p. lvi, As aduocate for man, & procuresse..Now be myne helpe o blisful qwene. c 1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode iv. xlvi, She hath wynges..for to soone doo hire message bifore god for mankynde, and is procuress whan time is to see him. |
2. A woman who makes it her trade to procure women for the gratification of lust; a bawd.
| 1712 Steele Spect. No. 266 ¶4 Who should I see there but the most artful Procuress in the Town. 1758 J. Grainger tr. Tibullus' Elegies I. vi. 85 From you my Ruin, curst Procuress, rose. 1850 Tennyson In Mem. liii, For fear divine Philosophy Should push beyond her mark, and be Procuress to the Lords of Hell. 1880 [see procurer 4]. |