Defn: A rectangular arrangement of symbols in rows and columns. The symbols may express quantities or operations.
MATRON
Ma"tron, n. Etym: [F. matrone, L. matrona, fr. mater mother. See
Mother.]
1. A wife or a widow, especially, one who has borne children; a woman of staid or motherly manners. Your wives, your daughters, Your matrons, and your maids. Shak. Grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a matron before she was a mother. Fuller.
2. A housekeeper; esp., a woman who manages the domestic economy of a public instution; a head nurse in a hospital; as, the matron of a school or hospital. Jury of matrons (Law), a jury of experienced women called to determine the question of pregnancy when set up in bar of execution, and for other cognate purposes.
MATRONAGE
Mat"ron*age, n.
1. The state of a matron.
2. The collective body of matrons. Burke. Can a politician slight the feelings and convictions of the whole matronage of his country Hare.
MATRONAL
Mat"ron*al, a. Etym: [L. matronalis.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to a matron; suitable to an elderly lady or to a married woman; grave; motherly.
MATRONHOOD
Ma"tron*hood, n.