woman

Less common meanings

4. 4
   keen fannouncountable

   A female who loves a certain thing very much, named as the last part of a compound.

   My sister is a total dog woman who can't pass a puppy without stopping.

   Mom was always a tea woman and wouldn't touch coffee.

   Similarlover, enthusiast, fan

5. 5
   maidnoundatedcountable

   A female servant or helper who works for someone.

   The lady sent her woman to fetch the letters from town.

   By her woman I sent your message.

   1613, William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher]

   Similarmaid, attendant, servant

6. 6
   rude addressverbtransitive

   To address a person as "woman" in a rude, disrespectful way.

   UsageSaid as don't woman me.

7. 7
   staffverbtransitive

   To fill a job or place with female workers.

   During the war, they womaned the factories while the men were away.

   Volunteers will woman the booths at the fair this weekend.

   UsageLike man the boat, but with women.

   Similarstaff

8. 8
   make softverbobsoletetransitive

   To make a man act or seem soft and unmanly.

   I have felt so many quirks of joy and grief / That the first face of neither on the start / Can woman me unto't.

   c. 1604, William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”Here, woman me means make me womanish, overcome by feelings.

   Similaremasculate, soften

9. 9
   provide a wifeverbobsoletetransitive

   To give a man a woman as his companion or partner.

   And think it no addition, nor my wish, / To have him see me woman'd.

   c. 1603, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”Here, woman'd means with a woman, in a woman's company.

   Similarmarry, wed